Almost 1,000 homes could be constructed on the banks of the River Mersey, with work potentially commencing within the next year. Two planning applications are due to be decided at a Wirral Council planning committee meeting on Thursday (February 6), with the significant housing plans from The Grammont Group and Black Pearl Homes recommended for approval.
A total of 598 homes could be built directly off the banks of the Mersey in Bromborough Wharf, Bromborough, while another 377 could be constructed slightly further inland.
Only six of the homes will be affordable due to the schemes' costs,, as millions are needed to prepare the land previously used for landfill and bio-diesel storage. A council report described the land as "currently derelict, unused and contaminated", but the development could create "a river front promenade, opening up views of the waterfront to the public that have not previously been available."
The planning application stated it would "create a highly sustainable community that will be a desirable place to live for generations to come", complete with a new park and two new community spaces.
If the plans receive approval from Wirral Council, subject to final government sign-off, a 2024 housing trajectory update suggested construction could begin within the next year, delivering 50 homes in the first year and increasing to 125 new homes per year by 2028. The project is expected to be completed by 2034, reports .
The proposed development has garnered more support than opposition, with many lauding the delivery of new homes, the riverside location, a new "beautifully landscaped" promenade, and the regeneration of a brownfield site. Key organisations such as the Environment Agency and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have not raised any objections.
Bromborough's three councillors Jo Bird, Ruth Molyneux, and Keiran Murphy have also welcomed the delivery of nearly 1,000 new homes and the clearing of polluted land. However, they have voiced concerns about the need for 30-minute peak-time bus services, low numbers of affordable homes, and contributions towards a local primary school.
Two nearby businesses have expressed worry that the plans could impact them, especially if future neighbours complained about noise, but a report stated this issue will be addressed. Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Wirral Wildlife have raised concerns that the development "does not provide a genuine net gain for biodiversity."
Measures will be taken to reduce noise pollution during construction and £173,000 will also go towards improving biodiversity.
The area, once designated for employment use, was earmarked for new housing development in the draft Local Plan following a council survey published in 2022 which "found a potential excess of supply of employment land over demand."
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