BE AWARE IF YOU ARE THINKING OF RESPONDING TO LEVERHULMES “CONSULTATIONS” REGARDING HOUSE BUILDING ON THE GREEN BELT

Leverhulme are currently running a massive media campaign promoting their “Vision” of building on the Green Belt. The first phase will see proposals for more than 1000 houses on Green Belt Land, with the latest site being Green House / Appleby’s Farm in Greasby  - the proposed site of 250 houses.

Their SLICK PR CAMPAIGN involves media articles and letter drops to locals asking them to take part in a consultation. BE AWARE – this is not the official Council planning consultation phase, this is a deliberate, targeted PR exercise so that Leverhulmes can state that they have “consulted” with Local Residents and that the Locals are in favour of their proposals.

There is recent article in the Wirral Globe, promoting Leverhulme’s SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) in Barnston (which isn’t new greenspace at all). It describes how Leverhulme wrote to 681 residents but just 16 responses were received. However, Leverhulme has somehow tried to put a positive spin on this by stating that feedback was “a clear indication that the SANG would be used by local people for leisure purposes.”

The “consultation” for Greasby / Greenhouse Farm has leading questions that are heavily biased / slanted so that they can get the answers that they want. They can say that local people have told them that there is a need / desire for the things they are proposing. Be careful how you answer the questions.

By answering the questions you are helping Leverhulmes to deliver a "Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) compliant consultation"

We would suggest, either not answering the “consultation” or would suggest not ticking any answers to the questions and simply write your comments in the box at the bottom. (Q 5.) There will also be plenty of time to have your say during the full Council planning consultation period.

You can not complete the “consultation” without providing your details – we are unsure how Leverhulmes will then use your answers and personal details to support their narrative that you support their proposals.

The “consultation” is being managed, on behalf of Leverhulmes, by a specialist PR/ Marketing/ Communications Consultancy – BECG (Built Environment Communications Group). Their website proudly boasts that their “consultations” and communication / PR campaigns increase the chances of securing Planning Permission for their Clients. They are absolutely no strangers to using emotive language and fluffy positive descriptions to con local people into thinking that contentious schemes, that will destroy local environments, are actually somehow being built for their benefit (and not for the financial benefit of their clients)

Thanks for your support