Council debates future of major plan as it awaits government update – Birkenhead News

Wirral Council has sent “a very clear signal to the government” after councilors from all parties voted in favor of a motion on one of the biggest issues facing the local authority.

It was brought forward by Tory councilors who raised concerns about the new government’s plans to “penetrate” the restrictive planning system and build “the next generation of working-class new towns”.

The local authority’s Local Plan, a major policy outlining plans for at least 14,000 homes on the Wirral by 2040, is currently in its final stages as it awaits Government approval.

The plan only promises to develop on brownfield sites across the borough, with no development on the green belt, an approach endorsed by the new government but with strict targets for councils to deliver.

Wirral Council has come under pressure in recent weeks after criticism from the borough’s Chamber of Commerce and a former MP, issues raised by a key development partner and a number of projects facing delays or being postponed. Concerns were raised by councilors at the meeting that if the local authority’s regeneration plans were not drawn up, the green belt could be opened up for development in the future.

In her first speech as chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced a number of major planning changes, including bringing back housing targets and a review of green belt boundaries if necessary. The new Labor government said its measures would “prioritise brownfield and gray belt land for development to meet housing targets where needed” and promote economic growth.

However, Tories have expressed concern since the announcement, with further details published on 30 July. At a full council meeting on July 29, motion Cllr Jeff Green, the local authority’s Conservative group leader, said: “With 5,691 on the housing waiting list, increasing housing supply and affordability must be a priority for the Council, but this must not be at the expense of the district’s precious natural environment.”

Cllr Green said his motion was about seeking clarity on the issue and “sending a very clear signal to the government that this council is not about to turn around”. Regarding a recent letter sent by Council Leader Cllr Paul Stuart. Cllr Green claimed he “was concerned enough to seek reassurance”.

He also pointed to previous green belt developments such as the abandoned Hoylake Golf Resort scheme and Saughall Massie Fire Station.

Changes brought by Labor and the Liberal Democrats were also approved by councillors. This revealed that Cllr Stuart wrote about the issue “as a matter of urgency” to Wirral MPs on July 13, while Chief Executive Paul Satoor raised the issue “as soon as possible” with Deputy First Minister Angela Rayner on July 19.

The Lib Dem changes highlighted that Wirral had retained its housing targets even after they were dropped by the previous Tory government and that the government’s recent announcements bringing back these targets “will not affect the progress of the regeneration-led local plan”. It also highlighted how Wirral Council has already reviewed its green belt boundaries as part of the development of the Local Plan.

Labor councilor Steve Foulkes argued the letters were “just a good council leader doing a good job”, also pointing to the chief executive’s letter. He said the council’s approach to brownfield development had not been easy, but “we are ready to take on that challenge and deliver”, adding he was “fed up with some developers sitting on pieces of land and not developing “.

Cllr Tom Laing said Labour’s plans “will not be a developer’s playbook”, adding: “This is not about plastering over green fields. No one is proposing that.” He said, “How the hell are we supposed to grow if you don’t build houses? Let’s focus on achieving our local plan. Let’s get results and not turn it into a political football.”

During the debate, Green councilors raised concerns about the current regeneration trajectory and called for a review to ensure it is delivered.

Cllr Jo Bird brought up the recent departure of interim regeneration director Marc Cole, controversial decisions about Birkenhead Market and delays to a mass transport plan, adding: “We’ve had enough artists’ impressions to fill the Williamson Art Gallery “.

The chairman of the regeneration commission, Tony Jones, and other councilors hit back at the Greens, accusing them of “peddling”, boat shows and “blatant election campaigning”. He claimed during a cross-party meeting on public transport, a development partner said: “We could fund it ourselves and start tomorrow.”

The Greens saw some agreement from the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Stuart Kelly highlighted the recent issues raised about Belong and Hythe village as well as concerns raised outside the council and pointed out that the green belt could only be protected if regeneration was secured.

Other motions were passed by councilors during the meeting, which saw a Labor motion congratulating Wirral’s four new MPs following the general election and a Liberal Democrat motion on sewers passed. However, a Green motion on social housing was defeated.

Image: Ed Barnes

Why not follow birkenhead.news on facebook, Twitter, and nature? You can also send story ideas or letters to the editor to [email protected]