New Ferry pub demolition may be scuppered

Aug 20 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

great eastern

PLANS to demolish the Great Eastern pub in New Ferry may be scuppered.

Wirral Council has recommended to refuse a proposal to flatten the historic maritime pub and replace it with 30 apartments.

The pub was built in 1862 with a number of relics and panels from Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Eastern which was broken up for scrap at Rock Ferry during the same century.

It survived many years as a historical and maritime icon until it closed down last year.

Planning officers said the building was a local landmark which added to the appearance of the town.

The report said the design submitted by the applicants Acrefare Estates Ltd was “extremely poor” and would have an adverse impact on the area.

It described the proposed apartments as “two large monolith structures with little interest or characteristics”.

As the pub was not listed or protected, any owner wanting to demolish it only needs to serve a notice of demolition on Wirral Council.

Planners said the local importance and good standard of the building warranted its retention.

Parts of the dismantled Great Eastern itself formed part of the structure of the pub, but officers found none of it remains.

Jerry Williams, spokesman for the Culture, Tourism and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “This is a sensible decision by the council for a whole number of reasons. Firstly, the density of flats is not wanted in the area and the pub itself is a maritime historical icon.

“I appreciate that pubs are losing their significance but rather than demolish them it’s more environmentally friendly to find another use for them instead.”

Residents are applying to get the Great Eastern emergency listed status.

The Planning Committee will have the final say on the bid on Thursday, August 21 at Wallasey Town Hall.