Housing plan for Parkgate greenbelt land

Feb 13 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Neston News

CONTROVERSY surrounds a developer’s bid to build housing on Green belt land in South Wirral.

Hundreds of people have signed petitions organised by Parkgate action group Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (RAGE) after David Cain Projects submitted plans to Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council for the development in Parkgate.

The Lancashire-based company wants to build 21 bungalows on land at the bottom of Moorside Lane/Manorial Road South.

The land is opposite marshes renowned for their bird life.

Planning consultant for David Cain Projects, Chris Betteridge, said: “My client wants to build 21 affordable bungalows on the site.

“It is Green belt land but it was previously developed and so is unlike virgin Green belt.

“There is a need for affordable housing in this area and Muir Group Housing are interested in working with us in creating this if our application is granted.”

RAGE chairman, Mike Heathfield, said: “The plot of land involved is not just Green belt, it has also been a designated part of the Area of County Landscape Value and directly borders a site accorded status of Special Scientific Interest.

“We will continue fighting these proposals and we believe that so long as the planning authority stick to these guidelines the proposals should be rejected.”

Conservative councillor Nils Anderson has given his full support to RAGE.

He said: “We all support affordable housing but at the same time we need to protect green open land and ensure green lungs.

“Developing on this land is not conducive to this.”

A spokesman for Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council said: “The views of all residents will be taken into consideration before any decision is made.

“Any comments must be received by the council by February 23.”

l WHAT do you think? Does this part of Wirral need more affordable housing?

Send your views to: Letters, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AN, e-mail newsdesk@wirralnews.co.uk or join the debate at www.wirralnews.co.uk