A decision on a controversial series of planning applications in the Wirral has been delayed.
The applications, submitted by Leverhulme Estate, could see more than 780 homes built on green belt land. The original deadline for a decision was September 21 but this was extended to October 28 after a request was made by Leverhulme.
Many people have voiced their opposition to the new plans with several petitions being made, including one that has over 4,500 signatures. The proposed “beautiful and sustainable” developments would be built in Pensby and Thingwall, Clatterbridge, and Heswall.
READ MORE: More than 780 homes planned on green belt land
Nigel McGurk, Head of Land and Planning for Leverhulme, said in May: “The submission of our planning applications is the next step in delivering a much-needed range of new homes and providing new access to, and enhancing the benefits of, Wirral’s countryside.”
The applications come as Wirral Council prepares its new Local Plan that has pledged to maximise development on brownfield sites and develop urban areas. Some argue this provides enough homes to meet government targets and means green belt development is unnecessary.
Planning Committee Chair Stuart Kelly said: “All members of the council know the deep concern many people have about the seven planning applications Leverhulme have submitted for housing development within the green belt, and I know many members of the council share that concern.”
He also answered several questions residents might have.
Why has the decision been extended until October?
“The planning department has been asked by Leverhulme to extend because they want time to review any technical consultee responses submitted. It is not unusual for time limits to be extended and this extension also gives planning officers extra time to review and get advice.”
If the green belt is affected by these plans, shouldn’t they just be rejected?
“Planning policy is governed by the National Planning Policy Framework. It doesn’t ban development on green belt land. Development is allowed under a number of exemptions such as previously developed land and for agricultural use.
“Applicants have to show there would be no harm to the openness of the green belt and ‘very special circumstances’ exist to allow their development to take place. It is up to them to demonstrate these special circumstances do exist and the harm to the green belt is justified.”
What happens on October 28th?
“If planning officers say the applications should be approved they will have to come to committee because of the level of public objection.
“Any planning application with a petition of over 25 names or 15 individual letters or emails objecting, officers must refer the decision to the planning committee. As there are at least 3 petitions with over 2300 signatures, this application meets the ‘qualifying objections’ level.
“One of the applications proposes building 290 houses which is defined as a strategic application so it may need to come to our Strategic Applications Sub Committee.”
People have said the websites has not been working properly, making it difficult to object?
“The Wirral planning web pages were changed to a new website host and this has made it harder for people to submit their views. Most of the issues with the website have been addressed, although there are still issues we aren’t happy about and are working to resolve.”
What happens if council officers refuse the applications?
“They don’t need to come before the committee if planning officers believe very special circumstances do not exist to allow green belt development. I expect a decision will be made just before the new decision date of 28th October, unless another extension is agreed.”
Could some applications be approved and some rejected or will they be considered together?
“I supposed in theory that could happen. Each application will be individually assessed on its own merits though there is a lot of similarities between them and the issues raised. It depends on the assessments the officers make.”
What do you think about the Leverhulme applications?
“Members of the planning committee are in a strange position. We can’t come to a decision before we have heard from the applicant and objectors and considered all the facts.
“We can only make our decision based upon those facts and local and national planning policy guidance.
“This says new buildings are inappropriate on green belt land meaning it is harmful and should only be approved in very special circumstances.
“It is up to the applicant to explain whether those exist and for us to make a judgement on them if they come to committee.”
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