Leverhulme presses on with plans for almost 850 new Wirral homes in the face of local opposition - Pensby and Heswall among the target sites
By Mark Gorton
24th Feb 2022 | Local News
In early January we reported the fierce local resistance from people and politicians to the plans of the Leverhulme Estate to build hundreds of homes on Wirral green belt land. Among those voicing concern was Wirral West MP, Margaret Greenwood. Click or tap here to find out more.
Now Leverhulme, which owns 5000 acres of land, has launched a pre-application consultation process on its ambition to create up to 830 "much needed new homes" in "beautiful and sustainable communities" across Wirral.
A total of seven sites delivering what will be environmentally-friendly homes are included in the consultation which begins today. Click or tap on each to be taken to the individual consultation.
The consultation will show how Leverhulme plans to "create beautiful new places that are distinctively 'Wirral' and which deliver the right mix of house sizes and affordable housing to meet local needs."
Leverhulme says its aim is to create "highly attractive living environments" complementing the existing urban area and including:
- 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- 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, Head of Land and Planning for Leverhulme, said: "Wirral has a major requirement for a mix of new housing including 3 and 4-bedroom family homes and affordable housing.
"This shortfall has been made worse due to a lack of meaningful progress being made on preparing a deliverable and viable Local Plan in recent years.
"The development sites being brought forward by Leverhulme will make a significant contribution towards helping meet the market and affordable housing needs of the local area and the wider Borough.
"Combined, the proposed Leverhulme sites can create beautiful and sustainable communities where people want to live.
"Port Sunlight and Thornton Hough are long-standing examples of sustainable communities and what can be achieved by combining the long-term stewardship offered by Leverhulme with a commitment to health and wellbeing and legacy development."
Launching its consultation, Leverhulme adds: "We are asking communities across Wirral to contribute their ideas as we prepare to bring forward developments across the borough, which individually and collectively, put into practice the Leverhulme Vision.
"Many of the priorities of people living in Wirral would be achieved if our proposals are delivered.
"From new cycleways and footpaths, to enhanced biodiversity and habitats, they represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create beautiful, environmentally sustainable and life-enhancing communities, underpinned through good quality design."
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