Salvage operation starts as Neptune plan is sunk

Aug 9 2006 Wirral News

WIRRAL Council and Neptune Developments are going back to the drawing board after their ambitious proposals for New Brighton were formally rejected.

Supporters of the scheme, who included Wallasey's Labour MP Angela Eagle, local councillors, and the New Brighton Community Partnership, believed the scheme was the faded resort's "last chance" and were bitterly disappointed by last week's Government decision.

Their hopes now rest with a series of talks between council officials and Neptune Developments to see if anything can be salvaged from the wreckage of the £73m plans.

New Brighton councillor Pat Hackett, cabinet member for regeneration, said he would be meeting with all sides this week to find a way forward for the resort.

One option could be to return to an earlier version of the plan, which would see the bulk of development takeplace on the site of the former open-air swimming baths.

Speaking this week to the News, he said: "I think we still have a window of opportunity for the funding and this has actuallymade everyone concentrate their minds on what we all want, which is to see New Brighton regenerated.

"People nowneed to compromise on all sides. There is common ground and I'm very confident we can heal some of the divisions."

Liverpool-based Neptune Developments was chosen by Wirral Council as its "preferred developer" and the company's managing director Steve Parryhas pledged it is committed to New Brighton.

He said: "We arenaturally disappointed by the outcome of the public inquiry.

"The proposed scheme enjoyedwidespread backing from residents, businesses and Wirral Council as well English Heritage.

"The Secretary of State recognises the urgent need for regeneration in New Brighton and accepts the regeneration case underpinning this proposed development.

"She also makes some positive and encouraging suggestions about how her concerns about design and heritage impact could be addressed.

"Wehave been actively engagedin NewBrighton forfiveyears and our commitment to its regeneration remains undiminished.

"Wewill nowconsult with the council and other local stakeholders and explore howbest to amend our proposals and deliver anew futurefor New Brighton."

Kevin Adderley, Wirral Council's head of strategic development, said the authority had to look carefully at planning inspector Jill Kingaby's 99-page report to see where changes could be made.

He said: "It'sa very thorough reportand we need to go through it in detail to look at how we can address the concerns the inspector has.

"The report does agree that the plan has many good features so we will be looking at how we can build on those good points to ensure we can deliver what everyone wants."