Latest News & Views - January 2010
Some Proposed Developments
- The 'Warrens', Thingwall Road East, Thingwall - Since receiving the disappointing news that Government Office (NW) considered there were insufficient grounds for calling the proposal in for a Public Inquiry, the Society has recognised that there is little more that can be done to reverse the decision to Approve the building of this Health Centre. The full background to the Society's involvement in this Application can be found in earlier updates. The Society is now considering the merits of referring this decision to the Local Government Ombudsman, on grounds of Wirral Council's possible maladministration in respect of this Application.
- The 'Wirral Waters' development - The Society has recently written to the Chief Executive of Wirral Council, asking for an explanation of how he expects the Council's Planning Section, to cope with the evaluation of the Planning Application, which is shortly due to be lodged by Peel Holdings. We are also seeking an explanation as to how the Council can properly consider this Application, in the absence of an uptodate Development Plan for the area, which has been subject to public examination.
- The New Ferry Butterfly Park - There is a proposal to re-develop the site currently occupied by Park, alongside the railway. The Society is very sympathetic to the concerns of the Wirral Wildlife Trust, who manage this park. We find the owner's wish for the site to be vacated somewhat perplexing, in view of the fact that there appears little likelihood that the site, given its narrow shape and poor access, could ever be developed commercially. The Society has added its voice to the many who have already contacted Ben Chapman MP, or signed the on-line petition.
- Proposed Golf Resort Hoylake - We are still concerned at the proposal to use Wirral's precious Green Belt, to locate a 'signature' golf course, together with all the trappings of such a development – private clubhouse, major '5*' hotel with restaurant, health & leisure facilities, & deluxe spa'. (See earlier News items below, for more details on why the Society is so concerned). As there is still no formal planning application, it still remains unclear just how much land identified for search purposes, would be earmarked for development. Also, such a development in the current economic climate where the supply of golf facilities already exceeds demand, does not seem to make much sense to us.
- Proposed developments at West Kirby - We in the Society continue to follow the twists and turns that seem to characterise the dealing on this proposal. We are grateful to those local people who have made so much effort to offer constructive comment and ideas to the Council, in an effort to see that there is a sensible outcome.
- Organic Farm on Marshes, Parkgate - The Society has been concerned at the prospect of this development the marshes. We note the owner is to be allowed a caravan on site for staff rest room. We are keeping a close eye on the way this Application is proceeding.
Wirral Buildings At Risk
The Society has become more concerned recently, in following the fortunes of a number of important Wirral buildings, some of which are of especial historic or architectural merit (ie. Listed Buildings) and others of significant local importance.
- St.Peter & St.Paul's Church, New Brighton - We have continued to take a keen interest in the situation with this magnificent church, which is such an important Wirral landmark. The Society welcomes the news that Wirral Council is ensuring that essential repairs are carried out by way of a 'Repairs Notice', which should take place in the next few months.
- Birkenhead Town Hall - There are grounds for some optimism that the bid now lodged with Wirral Council for its re-use, will prove successful. We are hopeful that the organisation responsible for its submission will be successful and they will be enabled to bring this important building back into full use.
- Hamilton Square, Birkenhead - The Society has expressed its concerns to Wirral Council over the decrease in business activity in the Square, with the threat this then brings to these Grade 1 Listed Buildings. We welcome the news of the success of the recent Planning Application for the conversion of 3 of these addresses for hotel use. We also welcome the Council's action in setting up a meeting of users, which is primarily looking at the economic aspects of the Square, but will shortly turn its attention to building conservation matters. The Society anticipates getting involved in these discussions.
- Vineyard Farm Barn, Bebington - This important barn, which is a Listed building, and the only known cruck Barn in Wirral, has been identified by the Council as being in dis-repair. It is currently owned, we understand, by a firm of developers. The Society shares the Council's concern, and is currently considering how it might best provide support to the Council, by seeing that essential repairs are carried out urgently.
- Storeton Hall, Storeton - The Society has also been advised that the condition of this historic building is giving rise for concern. In view of its importance, the Society is currently seeking to establish more information.
- St.John's, Liscard & Holy Cross, Bidston - We note with concern that these Churches still have no prospect of re-use and are thus still at risk.
- The 'Coach & Horses' building , Moreton Cross - This is perhaps the finest building in Moreton and a central focus of the township. Whilst this building is not, as far as we are aware, at risk, we are nevertheless concerned at the low level of exterior maintenance and the visual damage to the building that has resulted from its subdivision into various commercial units.
Eyesores
- Derelict Garage Site - A540-Dunstan's Lane, Burton - The Society is currently trying to contact the owners of this prominent site, which has been abandoned for some years now, with the aim of establishing whether there are any proposals for its re-use.
Liaison
- Shoreline Response Plans - Several Committee members attended a recent meeting organised by Wirral Council, to set out the extent to which the various sections of coastline which make up the Wirral Peninsula. It would appear at first sight that these are relatively uncontroversial proposals but we will find out more following these discussions.
- Landscape Character Assessment - Wirral Council has recently approved this major piece of work, in which the open land in the Borough has been divided into areas. These areas have each been systematically evaluated in terms of their particular character and also the visual qualites of the land beyond each boundary. This Assessment can be viewed on the Council's Website. The Society is also currently trying to establish why no reference had been made in the Assessment, to the prospective impact that the proposed Wirral Waters Scheme would have on the views from Bidston Hill Also, what part, in general terms, the Council thinks the LCA work would actually have on planning decision making, especially in respect of such a major scheme.
Some Initiatives
- Illegal Public Advertising - The Society is keen to report advertising, not approved by our local councils. We are fortunate that both Cheshire West & Wirral Borough are very willing to respond to our reports. However, we are very disappointed that cuts made by the latter Council some months ago, is resulting in a backlog of reports for its remaining officers to follow up. This is a particularly unfortunate situation, as it gives those who ignore the planning laws, extended opportunities to benefit – or consolidate their activities. Recent reports have included the continuing advertising at the former Champion Spark plug Factory, banner sign at Clatterbridge roundabout and similar signage on the southerly edge of the 'Cheshire Oaks' Retail Park.
Other Initiatives
- Commemoration of the World's first Public Hovercraft service - A proposal by one of our members that this service be commemorated, is being followed up by the Committee. Wirral Council is currently considering how the proposal might be incorporated into wider interpretative signs for the North Wirral Coast.
- Hedgerow Awards - For the first time, a number of Wirral-based farmers have competed in a competition organised through Cheshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, aimed at encouraging a high standard of hedgerow maintenance. We are pleased to report that 3 Wirral farmers have been awarded certificates.
