The homes are set to be built on a site where abandoned buildings have been vandalised
More than 100 new homes could be built right next to a scenic river park in an area of Merseyside. The plan is one of a number of new developments that could see new homes built close to the River Mersey.
The homes plans have been put forward by Lovell Partnerships and Susan Daniel who want to build on abandoned industrial land off Dock Road North in Bromborough, Wirral. The development of 115 homes is close to the Port Sunlight River Park and runs close to the banks of the Dibbinsdale brook, a tributary of the River Mersey.
The plans are recommended for approval this week at a Wirral Council planning committee meeting on December 12 but have been called in by Bromborough’s three councillors. Only six people objected to the application after 176 people were contacted and advertisements were put in the press and at the site.
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According to planning application documents, the location is “situated in a highly sustainable and accessible location and will make best use of underutilised brownfield land.” The documents also said the new streets will prioritise pedestrians and cyclists with key views of the surrounding area.
A planning statement said the scheme is “sensitively designed to integrate with the new developments within the vicinity of the site, positively responding to the character and appearance of the area through the delivery of the new, high-quality residential development.”
The homes will be a mix of two to four bedroom homes either semi-detached, terraced, or detached with garden space while two car parking courts and trees will be placed around the site. It’s proposed 14% or 17 of the homes would be affordable though the aim is to provide 42 affordable homes if grant funding is secured.
The applicant’s employment market report said despite security measures being put in place following the site’s last use in 2017, “there were repeated break-ins and damage caused to the buildings with valuable copper and other wire stripped from the premises.
“As a consequence, the buildings fell into disrepair and a decision was made during the summer of 2020 to undertake a ‘soft strip’ of the buildings, to deter future acts of vandalism.”
The site has been marketed repeatedly for employment uses but no one was interested in taking over the site. It’s not believed to be financially viable to refurbish the vacant buildings on the site due to their current state.
Council officers said the plans would deliver housing on a vacant piece of land with no real alternative with affordable housing provided and “sufficient mitigation to compensate for biodiversity loss, introduce new trees and landscaping and improve visual amenity.” Officers said it would offer substantial benefits and recommended it for approval.
However six people have objected to the application raising concerns including about contamination and asbestos. While officers did find asbestos in one of the buildings and potential risks around contamination, Environmental Health have put forward a number of rules for developers which address these issues.
Bromborough’s three Greens councillors Jo Bird, Ruth Molyneux and Kieran Murphy have also raised concerns calling the application in. These include an “over-provision of parking,” new gas boilers, walking and cyclist access, and the lack of a playground.
Cllr Bird previously described it as “a massive cul-de-sac with only one way in or out.” However a representative from Lovell Homes in 2023 said it was working with the local community adding: “We are passionate about delivering the best possible solution to turn this disused, brownfield site into a secure and thriving community.”
