Major plans for a new Lidl supermarket as well as new houses and apartments to regenerate a Wirral town centre have been approved.
The new Lidl, which is currently expected to open in 2024, is part of a new regeneration scheme off Pasture Road in Moreton.
The development will be delivered by the supermarket chain along with the Wirral Growth Company, Wirral Council’s joint venture with Muse, who is leading the project.
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Councillors at a Wirral Council planning committee praised the scheme for its comprehensive plans, proactive engagement with the local community, and social benefits to the area with Cllr Steve Foulkes saying the plans showed the local authority “can deliver large and complex regeneration schemes.”
The project includes 45 new homes, 80 affordable extra care apartments for the elderly, an outdoor area, as well as improvements to Moreton Library to make room for outdoor activities and a summer house. Only two people objected to the scheme after a two stage consultation where 14,000 residents were asked for their views on the plans.
Hannah Walker, from the Wirral Growth Company, said the plans would “deliver meaningful change on a site that currently makes little contribution to the vibrancy and vitality of Moreton” as well as provide additional free town centre parking.
Ms Walker said the company had taken concerns raised by people in the area and made changes to some of the early plans. She added: “The proposals will deliver a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits. This includes jobs and training opportunities, meeting local housing needs including family housing.”
She said the new Lidl would “complement rather than compete with existing retail provision in Moreton" and lead to an increase in footfall in the town centre.
Cllr Kathy Hodson praised the application as “comprehensive and well thought-out," adding: “You want people to be able to live, work, shop and play in the same area and not have to get the bus or drive and I think this ticks all the boxes.”
She added the new Lidl would provide a more affordable place for people to shop in the town and called for similar regeneration schemes across the Wirral.
The plans were unanimously recommended by councillors for approval with Wirral Council’s Director of Regeneration and Place David Hughes to give the final sign off once a town planning agreement is in place.
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