Inspector gives go-ahead for new supermarket in Wirral

Aug 26 2009 by Liam Murphy, Bromborough and Bebington News

PLANS for a major new supermarket in Wirral’s primary shopping centre have moved a step closer after a public inquiry ruled in favour of it.

At the public inquiry last May Wirral Council defended plans to use compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to buy out properties on Grange Road, in Birkenhead, for the planned Asda on the site.

The scheme already has planning permission and preparatory works have been undertaken, but one shop on the site had objected to the CPOs and forced the inquiry at Birkenhead Town Hall to be held.

The supermarket is being developed by Castlewood Developments and Pochin plc – an 8,800 sq m space selling food and other goods, along with extra car parking.

But it would require clearance of part of Grange Road, and the inquiry was told that retailer, B&M, had objected, and presented a written submission to the inquiry.

Objections raised had included doubt about the scheme’s viability.

But planning inspector Christina Downes has ruled that the project should go forward.