Heswall and Pensby among the sites as Leverhulme submits planning applications for almost 800 homes

Leverhulme has submitted seven planning applications to Wirral Council to deliver a wide range of homes in "beautiful and sustainable communities".

The applications, says Leverhulme, would provide up to 788 new, environmentally friendly homes across the seven sites, providing much-needed affordable housing, and directly meeting local needs.

The submission of the applications follows a consultation process with feedback citing several key requirements. They include the need for a broad mix of new affordable and market housing, ranging from two-bedroom homes through to larger family homes.

Respondents also highlighted their desire to see more green spaces, play areas, wildlife corridors and footpaths, all of which are at the heart of the proposed Leverhulme developments.

Nigel McGurk, Head of Land and Planning for Leverhulme, whose landholding covers over 5,000 acres, said: "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. This follows on from the recent consultation and the earlier publication in 2021 of The Leverhulme Vision document which detailed how our proposals would make a positive difference to the lives of people in Wirral.

"National planning policy promotes high quality design and the creation of beautiful and sustainable communities together with the enhancement of green space and the natural environment. Even in the last couple of weeks, the Government has talked about the pressing need for new housing to contribute to beautiful communities.

"The plans submitted by Leverhulme achieve all these principles alongside other critical criteria in a viable and deliverable way. The Leverhulme Vision provides for reinvestment directly back into long-lasting beautiful places where people want to live and Leverhulme is in a unique position to deliver this."

The seven applications are:

• A 0.82-hectare site located to the north of Gills Lane in Pensby, between Thorncroft Drive and Gills Lane Farm and stables. To provide up to 15 new homes. 
• A 7.35-hectare site located to the north of Gills Lane in Pensby and to the west of Barnston Road. To provide up to 153 new homes. 
• A 3.92-hectare site located a short distance from the local centre of Pensby Road, Pensby. It sits to the north of Gills Lane, between the existing residential streets of Dale View Close, Gwendoline Close and Thorncroft Drive. To provide up to 92 new homes. 
• A 17.38-hectare site located to the north of Thingwall Drive, to the east of Glenwood Drive and to the west of Arrowe Park, Irby. To provide up to 290 new homes. 
• A 3.60-hectare site located to the north of Raby Hall Road between the Autism Together complex and the residential neighbourhood on Blakeley Road at the edge of Bromborough. To provide up to 80 new homes. 
• A 3.30-hectare site located to the north of Raby Hall Road, with built development proposed to the west of Raby Hall and a footpath link to the east. To provide up to 38 new homes. 
• A 8.36-hectare site located to the west of Barnston Road and north of Milner Road within easy walking distance of Heswall town centre and Heswall railway station. To provide up to 120 new homes. 

Leverhulme's applications would complement the existing urban area and include:

• Leafy streets with generous open space, trees and gardens;
• New cycleways and footpaths;
• Enhanced biodiversity and habitats; 
• Characterful bespoke architecture, drawing inspiration from places like Port Sunlight and Thornton Hough, inspired by the 1st Viscount Leverhulme;
• The viable delivery of a wide range of affordable housing;
• High levels of energy efficiency and investment in craftsmanship and long-lasting materials;
• Moderate densities supporting a sense of community cohesion;
• Generous internal floorspace in line with the Government's Nationally Described Space Standards.

Nigel McGurk added: "The proposed developments have been designed to meet local requirements and aspirations. Our plans will not only deliver on Wirral's significant outstanding need to meet the area's market and affordable housing requirements but will do so in a way that enhances the built and natural environment.

"Leverhulme is synonymous with sustainable development, long-term stewardship, a commitment to health and wellbeing and sustained reinvestment into place. Wirral needs new homes – it is imperative that they are delivered in an exceptional manner."

Earlier this year we reported that Leverhulme's ambitions had been met with strong resistance from local people and politicians. You can refresh your memory by clicking or tapping here.