Latest News & Views - October 2011
Here are some details of a number of cases currently being discussed by the Committee.
Localism Bill and Draft National Planning Policy Framework
The Society is following with keen interest and concern, the developments concerning these two proposed pieces of planned legislation.
We are fortunate that we are allied to the Campaign to Protect Rural England, which is taking a leading role, along with the National Trust, in challenging the Government over its proposals.
The Society, whilst supporting the CPRE, is also making its own submission to the Government and is encouraging individuals to do so. The Society’s view is that whilst the Government may have the best intentions with the National Planning Policy Framework, it’s ‘simplification’ of the planning legislation, together with its ‘presumption in favour’ of development, where a Local Plan is not explicit, can only lead to a situation where there will be no sound basis for refusal.
A copy of the Society’s Letter can be found on this downloadable Abobe PDF document.
Some Proposed Developments
Peel Holdings - Wirral Waters development
The Society has opened discussions with the ‘Places Matter’ organisation, seeking its support in future dealings with Peel. We are optimistic that by also involving CPRE and Merseyside Civic Society in this arrangement, we may be better able to meet with Peel using our combined expertise, to bring some influence to bear on its future design.
Preparations for ‘Wirral Waters’
The Society has written to Wirral Council, supporting the proposals for the early improvement of the area immediately surrounding the Birkenhead / Wallasey docks.
International Trade Centre, Birkenhead Docks
The Society has supported this proposal, as it considers this low-rise development will help bring new life to north Birkenhead and include the demolition of the former Mobil Oil Terminal, which has been empty for many years.
Ledsham Road, Little Sutton
The Society has been advised that Messrs Redrow are in the process of reviving an Application first made in 2003/4, for the construction of in excess of 2,000 houses at this location. We objected to the original proposal as we considered this to be an inappropriate location and was pleased it was rejected. However, we are concerned that as this land was allocated for housing by the former Council, then it may well be difficult for it to be rejected. The local view, is that there is insufficient infrastructure locally, to support this level of building activity. Two of the Society’s Committee attended a recent meeting called by Redrow. The company’s main interest appeared to focus on what house-types people would wish to see!
Buildings At Risk on the Wirral Peninsula
The Society continues to be concerned at 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.
Historic Buildings at Birkenhead Docks
We have previously reported that the Society has been working with Merseyside Industrial Heritage Society (MIHS) and Wirral Council’s Conservation Officer, to identify and seek Listed Building status, for a number of important Buildings on the Dock Estate, that currently do not enjoy protected status. English Heritage has now replied rejecting the proposal for full Listing; the salient reference in the refusal letter being
‘Although the buildings and structures are not believed to be threatened at present, they lie immediately adjacent to the planned redevelopment area of 'Wirral Waters', which has already secured planning permission. The applicant is therefore concerned that improved access routes to the development could result in changes to, or the loss of, these buildings and structures’.
Barn at Vineyard Farm, Bebington
The Society has also reported its wish to see this important Listed barn with its cruck frame, conserved. The building has been identified by Wirral Council, as being at risk, as it is owned by a property development company (along with surrounding land) which as no interest in its survival. (See previous report). Wirral Council has taken action to identify a grant source for its restoration and is currently encouraging the owner and the tenant farmer to follow this up.
‘Eyesores’
Derelict Garage Site
A540-Dunstan's Lane, Burton – Cheshire West & Chester Council has succeeded in establishing contact details of the site owner. It is hoped that it will now be able to establish what plans there might be for the future of this building, which occupies a prominent site on this main road up the Peninsula.
Former Champion factory- Arrowebrook
The Society has been concerned for some time at the condition of these premises, since the factory closed. The signage for the new businesses has been haphazard and it is encouraging that the Council is currently trying to bring some order to the site. The Society has advocated that a tree-planting scheme should also be required of the owners
‘The Plough’ Moreton Cross
Following our report at the demolition of this public house is sad that the replacement building has not been built upto the building line, thus creating a gap in the local townscape. We have reported previously, that the owners, Tesco, did not have the courtesy to respond to any of the three letters we have sent to the Company, where we made what we considered to be reasonable suggestions, involving the possibility of incorporating some of the existing building into the new structure.
Thank you for visiting the Wirral Society Website. As you will see from the News and Wirral Matters pages, members of our Committee follow up on many different issues that affect our Peninsula. We would very much like to have your support if you can help. It might be either:
- A.) To support us directly - perhaps with help on particular matters such as if you have a special interest or skill e.g., on trees, historic buildings, liaising with the farming community etc.
- B.) As a someone who would like to just become a non-active member.
If so, please contact Rod Tann on 0151 625 1234 or rodtann(@)btinternet.com
