Leverhulme Estate has asked for a public inquiry as it appeals eight applications rejected by Wirral Council for nearly 800 homes.
The plans, which would see houses built on Wirral’s greenbelt, have been highly controversial with large protests, councillors and MPs coming out in opposition.
Leverhulme announced in December it was appealing the eight decisions. Seven applications were rejected by council officers while one, for 290 homes, was rejected unanimously at a planning committee meeting. A ninth application, for 240 homes near Greasby, will be decided in February.
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An email from within the council which was sent to all councillors revealed Leverhulme was “seeking a public inquiry to hear all of the cases together” which Leverhulme “anticipate will last 25 days”.
No start date or confirmation has been given as the government Planning Inspectorate needs to validate the appeals. Anyone who previously commented on the applications will then be notified. The email added: “Given the scale of the Inquiry (if the Inspectors agree it should be heard in this way), it is highly likely to be several months before this is dealt with.”
Nigel McGurk, Leverhulme’s head of land and planning, said: “Leverhulme is appealing the applications because of the urgent need for new homes in Wirral, in particular affordable homes. This need has arisen because of Wirral Council’s failure over many years to provide for any meaningful delivery of new homes, especially affordable homes.
“Leverhulme is unique in its ability to deliver the beautiful and sustainable communities that are required in Wirral while enhancing recreational opportunities and the biodiversity of Wirral’s countryside. Our developments would also unlock vital economic growth and job creation in Wirral.
“The absence of realistic ways to deliver the types of homes needed in Wirral needs to be addressed. A public inquiry allows viable development proposals, such as Leverhulme’s, to be considered in an appropriate and balanced manner.”
Councillors argue Wirral will have more than enough homes available through its brownfield first policy within the draft Local Plan. Current proposals put forward 23,000 homes with many part of large regeneration projects in Birkenhead and Bromborough.
Phil Simpson is a leading campaigner against the plans. He believes Leverhulme is trying to influence the council with the appeals, adding: "I think this is a disgrace. They are trying to overrule the council. We are the ones paying council tax.
“It is our council and we employ them to carry out what is needed and to lead Wirral."
Wirral Council was approached for comment.
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