A proposal for nearly 100 affordable homes in Birkenhead has been thrown out, as Wirral Council believes the land can be used to create jobs instead.
The scheme would have seen a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, as well as two and three bedroom houses, built on Beaufort Road, but Wirral Council rejected MCI Developments’ application saying the site could be used by businesses.
The authority’s rejection letter read: “The proposal would result in residential development on a site within designated Primarily Industrial Area which has been identified as an employment area of strategic importance.”
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The council did not feel the developer had given enough evidence to show the land would not be used for employment purposes.
Wirral Council also felt the plan, for 96 homes at the Birkenhead site, would not provide homes which were designed for wheelchair users, or capable of being easily adapted for them, and said the proposed drainage systems did not satisfy minimum standards.
The developer thought the plan would help to meet the need for affordable housing in the area.
Fletcher Rae’s design and access statement, prepared on behalf of MCI Developments, said: “[The developer’s] vision for the site is to create a place where people want to live and enjoy. The proposal will create a new community and be sustainable socially.
“The need for the provision of further modern affordable housing in the area is clearly identified.”
Explaining the current situation at the site, the statement added: “Currently on site are the manufacturing facility buildings for Survitec.
“Survitec have occupied the land for a number of years, but they will now be relocating to their new premises. Survitec’s relocation provides the opportunity to redevelop the site which is currently in dilapidation.”
The developer confirmed the plan was for all 96 homes to meet the criteria for affordable.
The design and access statement also addressed the change of use issue.
It read: “The current designation of the area under the Unitary Development Plan is Industrial, however in the draft Wirral Local Plan 2020-2035, the adjacent area of Wirral Waters is proposed for redevelopment, comprising of mixed use.
“Thus, the proposed scheme development sits in a prime location by utilising a brownfield site.”
But Wirral Council was not satisfied that the land could not be used for employment purposes and rejected the application.
