Delay on Newton supermarket decision

Feb 20 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Hoylake and West Kirby News

COUNCILLORS have deferred a decision on controversial plans to turn a car showroom in Newton into a supermarket.

The application for a Co-op store in Frankby Road – land currently occupied by a Mitchell Skoda dealership – went before Wirral Council’s planning committee last week.

A site visit will now take place before councillors decide whether to grant planning permission.

Conservative spokesman Cllr David Elderton said: “There are a lot of issues which can only be resolved by having a full inspection on- site before we make any decision.”

The committee heard 246 people have signed a petition against the plans and the council has received 27 letters of objection.

Those against say the proposal would result in a dangerous increase in traffic, anti-social behaviour problems and harm the character of the area.

The council received one letter of support saying the store would provide a much- needed local service.