Old News
April 2008
Some Proposed Developments
- The 'Warrens Demonstration Area', Thingwall Road East - The recent notification of an Appeal by Wirral PCT against the decision not to allow building on this Green belt Site by Arrowe Park was a disappointment – but not unexpected. Whilst the Society is not opposed to improved healthcare, it supports Wirral Council's decision that the case has not been made demonstrating any 'special circumstances' to breach the Green Belt. We continue to be unconvinced that sufficient efforts have been made to secure improved facilities at existing surgeries which are closer to people's homes, or that if a 'Supersurgery' is really needed, that possible surplus educational-related land nearer the centre of the area, is being actively considered. We are currently suggesting to the Council that they could easily avoid a massive waste of public money by telling Wirral PCT that this publically-owned land is not for sale. Given the Council has already refused outline permission to build, we await its response with interest. The Society will, in the meantime, be re-submitting it objection to this proposed development, to the Secretary of State.
- Lea 'Farm' -Thurstaston - The Society has most disappointed at the turn of events in this particularly important part of Wirral, which is covered not only by Green belt legislation, but by an 'Article 4 Direction' because of its special landscape designation. The developments that have been taking place here, without Planning Permission, are a flagrant breach of the planning system and appears to have been ignored by Wirral Council. We are investigating why no action has been taken.
- Proposed re-development at Woodside, Birkenhead - The Society continues to take an interest in the proposals for major building project currently outlined at Woodside. The Society has voiced concerns over the information provided to date and has received assurances that more information will be made available during the following stages of the Consultation process.
- Proposed 'Magic Boat Gateway Feature' - A massive structure had been proposed by Wirral Council, to be located on the roundabout by the A41 / M53 at Eastham. Whilst the Society generally supports the principle of Public Art, we considered the case for breaching the Green Belt, did not appear to have been made in this instance. The Society was therefore delighted at the proposal being withdrawn, following the Highways Agency's '11th hour' response, opposing the construction on grounds of it being a potential distraction to drivers and its concerns over its structural integrity.
- Proposed Gwynt-y-Mor Windfarm - The Society remains concerned at the massive scale of this proposed development. If it goes ahead, as is likely, it would involve the construction of some 250 turbines beyond Hilbre island, and close to the North Wales coast which would be of a similar height to those erected recently at Burbo Bank, off New Brighton. Whilst nothing official has been heard this year, the prospect of the development going ahead is high, given the Government statement in December that some 7,000 offshore turbines would be built around Britain's coastline by 2020. The Society is not necessarily against the loss of landscape or seascape for such purposes, where cost- benefits can be shown to outweigh the loss of amenity. As it is likely that these highly expensive turbines will be producing electricity for less than a third of their working life it is hard to see how this can be demonstrated.
- Proposed Golf Resort Hoylake - Yet another proposal to use Wirral's precious Green belt, comes in the form of a 'signature' golf course, together with all the trappings of such a development – private clubhouse, major '5*' hotel with restaurant,health & leisure facilites, & deluxe spa'. Whilst the land proposed to be used for this development is low-lying and not of high agricultural quality, it is actively farmed, a haven for wildlife –for birds (especially over-wintering migrant waders and nesting Lapwings) and, above all, serves the Green Belt function of maintaining a separation between communities. Whilst again we would not wish to see economic development stifled, we maintain the full cost of such change needs to be properly considered. We are unhappy that this Council proposal has gone out to the Market, without serious consultation.
- Proposed sheltered housing development at Marshlands Rd / Manorial Moad South, Parkgate - The Society supported local groups in objecting to this Planning Application. Our main concern was that this Application lies within the Cheshire Green Belt, where such developments would not normally be allowed. We are pleased to report that Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council have refused the Application. However, we will not be surpised if the Applicant lodges an Appeal against the decision, so this issue will no-doubt reappear in due course.
- Draft NW Regional Spatial Strategy - This Important document has recently been published, which sets out the Government's broad strategy proposals for this Region, which includes the Wirral Peninsula. We are currently assessing its implications before sending our comments to Government Office NW.
Some Initiatives
- Conservation Area Conference - The Society, as part of its 80th Year Celebrations, is organising a Conservation Area Conference on Saturday 1st November at Birkenhead town Hall . The aim is to bring together those responsible for the management of these especially important places, with those who have a special interest in helping to secure their long-term future. To this end we are shortly going to contact representatives from each Conservation Area in the Peninsula, together with key members of our local coouncils and othe public bodies.
- Footpath 'Fingerposts' - Many of these fingerposts are now looking somewhat dilapidated. The society, together with the Wirral Footpaths & Open spaces Preservation Society, have made a joint approach to Wirral Council inviting their support for an initiative to undertake a programme of restoration. A recent meeting has taken place between our two organisations and Wirral Council's Footpaths Officer to take this proposed scheme forward.
- Park & Ride facilities in Wirral - The Society has been in touch with the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive during the year, in an attempt to find out what plans it has for improving these facilities. So far, the response continues to be unclear.
- The 'Streetscene' - The Society continues to try and support the local Councils, in their work to prosecute illegal advertising on public and private land & property, by reporting instances of such material being posted. The response from the Councils has been encouraging. Wirral Council is now regulating and enforcing standards of 'A' Board displays on pavements. It has also taken a strong line against Sainsbury's Supermarket at Upton, insisisting it remove unauthorised notes and banner signs on its peroimeter fences. The Society has also met with an officer at Ellesmere Port & Neston Council, who has desribed the strong line his Council takes on the problem. This has been well demonstrated by the strong line it has taken in response to the Society's complaint at Sainsbury's canvas banner signs on the perimeter fences around its petrol station at 'Cheshire Oaks' Retail Park. We are pleased to note they have now been removed.
- 'Cheshire Railings' - These black & white wrought iron railings are a feature of this peninsula. Unfortunately, as no public or private landowner is prepared to take responsibility for them, many are falling into decay. The Society has been trying for some months now, to promote a repainting scheme in conjunction with various organisations, but unfortunately – and understandably – health & safety considerations have, to date, made the idea of such renovation scheme untenable. We are liaising with our colleagues in other CPRE Districts in Cheshire to see if they have any ideas for a solution
March 2008
Proposed Developments
- Proposed re-development at Woodside, Birkenhead - The Society was represented at an event which outlined proposals for major building project at Woodside. The information provided did not the reassurance it had been hoped for and we continue to be actively involved in the Consultation process.
- Proposed 'Magic Boat Gateway Feature' - At the time of writing the Society is aware that the Application to construct this massive structure on the roundabout by the A41 / M53 at Eastham, has been withdrawn, following concerns about it being a distraction and its structural integrity. Whilst the Society supports the principle of Public Art, we consider the economic case for breaching the Green Belt, does not appear to have been made in this instance, and thus ultimately should be rejected.
- Proposed Gwynt-y-Mor Windfarm - The Society was recently approached by the group based around Llandudno - 'Save our Scenery' - seeking support for the inclusion of a Wirral perspective on the likely impact of this proposed windfarm in a response to the revised Environmental Impact Statement. The proposal, if it goes ahead, would involve the construction of some 250 turbines beyond Hilbre island, which would be of a similar height to those erected recently at Burbo Bank, off New Brighton. Whilst nothing official has been heard this year, the prospect of the development going ahead is high, given the Government statement in December that some 7,000 offshore turbines would be built around Britain’s coastline by 2020. The Society is not necessarily against the loss of landscape or seascape for such purposes, where cost- benefits can be shown to outweigh the loss of amenity. At present, this has not been shown.
- Proposed sheltered housing development at Marshlands Rd / Manorial Moad South, Parkgate - This Planning Application is currently being investigated. Our initial concern is that this Application lies within the Cheshire Green Belt. As development within the Green Belt is not normally allowed, apart from Applications for recreation, agriculture or forestry, it is unlikely this proposal will be accepted by Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council. On this basis, it is likely the Society will submit an objection.
Initiatives
- Footpath 'Fingerposts' - Many of these fingerposts are now looking somewhat dilapidated. The society, together with the Wirral Footpaths & Open spaces Preservation Society, have made a joint approach to Wirral Council inviting their support for an initiative to undertake a programme of restoration. A positive response has been received and it is hoped that a scheme might be developed and begun in the coming year.
- Park & Ride facilities in Wirral – The Society has been in touch with the Merseyside passenger Transport Executive during the year, in an attempt to find out what plans the MPTE has for improving these facilities. So far, the response has been unclear.
- The 'Streetscene' - The Society continues to try and support the local Councils, in their work to prosecute illegal advertising on public and private land & property, by reporting instances of such material being posted. The response from the Councils has been encouraging. Wirral Council is now regulating and enforcing standards of 'A' Board displays on pavements. The Society has also invited Ellesmere Port & Neston Council for discussions on their procedures.
- 'Cheshire Railings' - These black & white wrought iron railings are a feature of this peninsula. Unfortunately, as no public or private landowner is prepared to take responsibility for them, many are falling into decay. The Society has been trying to promote a repainting scheme in conjunction with the Probation Service, but unfortunately – and understandably – health & safety considerations have, to date, made the scheme untenable.
