The GOOD NEWS is that, after many months of trying, the Wirral Green Space Alliance (WGSA) will finally be meeting the Wirral MPs this Friday, 28th February.

We will be discussing the Green Belt, the Adoption of the Council’s BROWNFIELD ONLY Local Plan and the Government’s proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Frame work which could require Wirral to increase its population by 20% and will undoubtedly put the Green Belt at GREAT RISK.

The BAD NEWS is that the WGSA are becoming increasingly concerned that the Government’s arbitrary date of 12th March for adopting the Local Plan may to be missed.

The Council Brownfield Only Local Plan has been with the Government Planning Inspector for final sign off since November 2024. The delay with the Government’s Planning Inspector is due, we are told, to “resource issues”. 

The Council, and its hard-working officers, have done all they can but it is CRITICAL that the Local Plan is adopted before the “Transistional Arrangements” deadline of 12th March 2025 is imposed by the government. Otherwise, our Brownfield Only Local Plan, all the regeneration plans, the employment plans and supporting environmental policies and climate change policies which underpin the Local Plan, and are FUNDAMENTAL to its success, are at risk. This is not just about housing numbers (although that is a big issue) this is also about all the other policies that support the Local Plan too.

If this Local Plan is not signed off by 12th March, then Wirral and the Green Belt would be at risk of Developers haphazard hostile planning applications in totally unsuitable places putting the Green Belt at great risk and our environment destroyed for ever. It will also put the regeneration plans for the most deprived areas of Wirral at great risk, as Developers will want to direct their resources to the more profitable Green Belt sites. This would mean that the much-needed regeneration and social truly affordable homes that are so desperately needed are now in jeopardy.

The Plan is supported by all main Parties and the vast majority of Residents/Voters, has taken many years to get to where it is, and has cost to date over £7million. It is the only real hope for decades-delayed Regeneration of the most deprived areas of Wirral to progress, for the significant reduction of disparity across the Peninsula and improvement of 'life chances' of those most in need, whilst also protecting Green Belt. The Council and its Local Plan are as prepared as could be but a logjam at the Planning Inspectorate needs releasing in time and/or recognition that deadlines may be missed, due to no fault of the Council, and extra time allowed.

Please will you write to your Local MP, before our meeting on the 28th February, to remind them that you support the Council’s BROWNFIELD ONLY Local Plan (not Brownfield first) and all the associated regeneration and Green Belt protection. 

Please will you tell your MP that you expect them to ACTIVELY DO ALL THAT THEY CAN to ensure that the Brownfield Only Local Plan is adopted.

Wirral West: matthew.patrick.mp@parliament.uk

Wallasey: angela.eagle.mp@parliament.uk

Birkenhead: alison.mcgovern.mp@parliament.uk

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough: justin.madders.mp@parliament.uk