Leverhulme has launched a pre-application consultation process on its plans to create “much needed new homes” in “beautiful and sustainable communities” across Wirral.
A total of seven sites delivering new environmentally-friendly homes are included in the consultation which begins today. The sites, with links included to the individual consultations, 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. www.gillscentral.consultationonline.co.uk
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 160 new homes. www.gillseast.consultationonline.co.uk
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 100 new homes. www.gillswest.consultationonline.co.uk
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 310 new homes. www.glenwooddrive.consultationonline.co.uk
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 85 new homes. www.rabyeast.consultationonline.co.uk
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 40 new homes. www.rabywest.consultationonline.co.uk
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. www.heswall.consultationonline.co.uk
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.”
Last year, Leverhulme published its Vision document calling for a wider debate on viable, sustainable and deliverable development in Wirral.
The Vision stated that the Estate’s landholding – over 5,000 acres – gave it a unique capability to deliver benefits at a scale that will make a positive difference to many people’s lives.
Launching its consultation, Leverhulme says: “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.”