Although it is possible to forward pre-notified questions to the Constituency Manager questions will also be taken on the night via the Chair. Questions must be received at least ten working days prior to committee.

The Committee and members of the public in attendance at the meeting raised the following questions, issues, concerns and requests:

Approximately 50 members of the public were in attendance

Question One – Prof D P Gregg, Spital

Prof D P Gregg addressed the Committee addressed the Committee to outline his concerns and explained how the new government household projections for Wirral give a basic 15 year housing requirement of 5,923 houses. If this is scaled up by the forecast 2025 (mid plan) affordability factor of 1.07 we obtain 6,332 houses. He expressed how the committee will see that little or NO building on green belt land is needed at all. 

He also stated that the Council green belt release plan covers ~4,900 acres, nearly 8 square miles. Under average densities, that could support in principle, 71,000 houses. Even under the worst basic case scenario only 1% of the release plan land would be needed. 

What is the Council's objective justification for threatening to remove from the green belt the other 99% of the land or ~4,800 acres?

In response, Councillor C Muspratt also shared concerns and agreed that green belt/ green space must be protected.

Question Two – Mr Lowsby

With regards to the Local Plan, the latest figures are out of date as the Council too readily accepted figures were correct. What is being done to rectify this?

Councillor T Cottier responded by informing the resident that Councillors had put pressure on the Leadership to challenge the figures initially provided and circulated to residents. A letter has now been sent to the Govt Minister to further challenge figures.

Question Three – Angela Mounsey , Heswall

If the figures are incorrect, why are you proceeding?

It was explained by Councillor C Muspratt that it is a legal requirement to hold a public consultation on the local plan and this question would be referred to David Ball, AD Major Growth Projects & Hsg Delivery

Question/ comment Four – Elizabeth Carberry, Heswall

Concerns were expressed over current overcrowding, particularly in Heswall where recent housing developments had added to increased traffic.

Councillor J Williams explained that central government planning laws are beyond any local plan discussions.

Question/ comment Five – P Gill, Clatterbridge

The Council Leader circulated a letter to residents demonstrating the figures and producing net results of housing requirements. The figures have now been challenged and residents don’t have any concept of real figures. Is it possible for the Council Leader to send out a revised letter so that residents have a full understanding of figures. A suggestion was then made by the resident that the consultation period be extended by at least three weeks so that the appropriate figures can be considered.

It was moved by Councillor T Cottier and seconded by Councillor C Carubia and:

Resolved (11:0) –

(1)  That in light of the new figures obtained in regards to housing requirements in Wirral, the period of consultation be extended by a period of at least three weeks; and

(2)  revised figures be published on the council’s website and appropriate social media outlet

Question Six – Lisa, Higher Bebington

Upon driving round Wirral, it is clear that many homes are boarded up and not in use. Why are these homes not being restored instead of plans to build on the green belt?

In response, Councillor Gilchrist expressed how it was his belief that all Councillors would prefer to agree plans on brownfield sites and that plans are in place to target boarded up houses.

Councillor J Bird commented that New Ferry would benefit from regeneration.

Question Seven – Mr Lancelyn Green, Bebington

Vineyard House, Spital is the area of the site of an ancient battleground, is there special protection?

Councillor J Williams explained that he is the Council’s Heritage Champion and there are priorities to move things forward in terms of protecting areas. He informed the resident that more evidence is coming to light and that the issue is regarded as massively important.