A new apartment block will be built in Hoylake despite petitioners arguing it will harm the area "dramatically".

The plan, which will involve the demolition of Sandiways at 46 Hoyle Road, and the building of eight apartments, was passed at last night's meeting of Wirral Council's Planning Committee.

However, Paul Nelson, speaking in favour of a petition signed by 68 residents against the plan, said there are currently no flats or commercial buildings on Hoyle Road, where he has lived for 17 years.

He added that this three storey building would be too big and would "dramatically and irreparably harm the area".

A statement read out on behalf of Jon Suckley, from the developer Blueoak Planning, said the plan will not have an adverse impact on nearby homes and will add to the housing mix in the area.

He added that there will be sixteen parking spaces for the eight apartments, with eight cycling spaces also provided.

Although the area is dominated by two storey homes, Labour's Steve Foulkes was in favour of the plan, saying that it has been made to look like a two storey house from the front and would not be significantly detrimental to the character of the area.

Heswall Conservative councillor Kathy Hodson also backed the plan, saying that she could not find a reason to refuse it which could be defended in an appeal process.

While her Tory colleague Cllr Andrew Gardner, who represents Hoylake, said he was aware of local concerns about the plan, but that the developer had "ticked all of the boxes" and met all of the criteria.

He added that he could not realistically reject the proposal as presented.