Plans to bring a new Lidl and houses to “deliver meaningful change” to part of the Wirral look set to be given the go ahead.
A proposal, put forward by Lidl and the council's joint venture, the Wirral Growth Company, could be approved by councillors later this week.
The two companies are seeking permission to demolish a former youth and community centre on land off Pasture Road in Moreton to create a new supermarket with parking as well as walking and cycle routes.
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Changes are also planned to Moreton Library to create space for outdoor activities and a summer house. On another part of the development, there are plans to build apartments for adults who need extra care, 45 new houses and public areas.
Two people have objected to the scheme. Both were concerned another supermarket in the area could have an impact on small shops in the town and felt more homes were a better plan for the site. Traffic concerns were also raised.
Several highways and environmental organisations had no objection to the application though the local flood authority had concerns regarding the Lidl itself. It had no objection to the other elements of the proposal.
According to the report, the changes to Moreton Library are “to enhance its offer as a community hub at the heart of the town centre with a dedicated youth provision and more flexible spaces where local people and groups can sit, read, meet and work following the closure of the youth and community centre.”
As well as the 45 houses, the plans would see 80 affordable apartments created for elderly people who need extra care. This means around 64% of all the dwellings on the site proposed would be affordable.
A council report detailing a recommendation to approve the plans said: “The site has made little contribution to the vibrancy and vitality of Moreton and its people for several years.
“The sustainable regeneration of the site to create a high quality mixed use development will make the best use of this underutilised land plus deliver a range of other economic, social and environmental benefits to the site, local community and the Borough.”
The report also said: “The benefits of this hybrid application are significant and far reaching for both existing and future residents and are aligned with the Council’s development aspirations for the next plan period” and revive Pasture Road “as a key gateway into Moreton Town Centre."
When the planning application was submitted in November 2022, the new Lidl was expected to open at the end of 2023 while the apartments for the elderly would be completed by 2024 with the whole scheme being completed by 2026.
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