Decision due on Tranmere Rovers FC's plans for housing development on listed war memorial site

Oct 18 2012 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

Ingleborough Road site

PLANS to build 90 homes on a listed war memorial are set to be approved.

A report by Wirral Council planning officers recommends giving the green light to the scheme by Tranmere Rovers FC to develop the Ingleborough Road site in Birkenhead for housing.

The field had been part of the Birkenhead Institute school, and 88 trees were planted in memory of former pupils who died during World War I.

Despite a major campaign which has received national attention, in part due to the site's links with the war poet Wilfred Owen, who was a former pupil, planning officers say the scheme should go ahead.

The report will be considered by councillors next week when they will make their decision.

It says there had been “strong representation over the importance of the site as a war memorial, but added: “Planning legislation and the development plan do not require that special attention is given to preserving its character or appearance."

It also said 84% of nearby households consulted by Tranmere Hall Residents Association supported the development, and councillors must make a judgement on the “significance that can be given to the heritage asset”.

Tranmere Rovers have said, if the plans are approved, they would retain a war memorial feature.