This week we received the news that seven appeals put forward by Leverhulme Estates to build on Green Belt on Wirral have been dismissed. This is welcome news for residents across Wirral.
Green Belt in Pensby, Irby, Barnston, Raby Mere and Heswall is saved!
When Labour had majority control of the Council in 2018, the Cabinet covertly backed proposals to develop on Wirral's Green Belt.
Consequently, Labour lost their majority in the 2019 elections after residents expressed their frustration at Labour's plans to build on Green Belt land.
Councillor Jeff Green, Leader of the Conservative Group said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the Council Officers who have worked diligently defending these appeals. However, the concern among Wirral residents, and the cost to the taxpayer of these appeals, could have been entirely avoided had the Council adopted a Local Plan at any time since 2004. Had it not been for the tireless work of the campaigners, much of Wirral would soon be lost under bricks and mortar.
“Those councillors who, back in 2018, secretly voted to consent to some of these sites for development should be thoroughly ashamed of their actions.
“At the same time I hope that Leverhulme Estates, and indeed any potential developer, will finally get the message – our Borough’s Green Belt is not an asset to appear on your balance sheet. Instead, the Council will work with you, but in the parts of the Borough that need regeneration and where people want to live.”
The eighth appeal, concerning land east of Rigby Drive, Greasby, is due to start on 5th December.
