The public inquiry examining seven planning applications submitted by Leverhulme, which ended yesterday (July 4), highlighted the failure to deliver the required housing in Wirral over more than 20 years.
Leverhulme’s proposals would help to meet the urgent housing need through the creation of “beautiful and sustainable communities” providing up to 800 new homes, with 30% affordable housing.
While regeneration is an important part of Wirral's long-term plans, the inquiry demonstrated that the ongoing wait for these plans to come to fruition on the scale envisaged is resulting in a continuing failure to meet the real needs of people in Wirral.
Nigel McGurk, Leverhulme’s Head of Land and Planning, said: “Leverhulme is pleased that the inquiry has taken place and that, for the first time in over 20 years, a light has been shone on the very real and deep-seated issues facing Wirral regarding its supply of housing and, in particular, the urgent requirement for family and affordable housing.
“Today's economic realities mean that regeneration dependent on public subsidies – the primary plank of Wirral’s strategy - will continue to struggle to come forward in a meaningful manner.
“By contrast, Leverhulme's proposals are fully deliverable and will contribute to a wide range of housing needs across the borough.
“At the same time, they will deliver much wider benefits for everyone in Wirral including major biodiversity gains, new footpaths, recreational spaces and greatly increased public access to the countryside.”