Major plans to transform an area of Wirral that was destroyed in a huge explosion have now been given the go ahead.
The proposal, which will build 34 apartments, is aimed at transforming the former site of the Homes in Style store in New Ferry as well as nearby buildings destroyed in the blast six years ago.
The explosion, which took place on March 25, 2017, damaged 63 buildings in the surrounding area and injured 81. Six years later, the town is still struggling to recover and a number of shops have closed.
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Wirral Council today approved the major plans, put forward by social housing provider Regenda Homes. It is hoped the development will turn the town's fortunes around.
Regenda said the homes will be 100% affordable and made up of a mix of one and two bedroom apartments and will “create high quality developments worthy of the site’s location.”
The application said: “This includes the creation of a socially and environmentally sustainable development, which has been strategically planned to respond positively to local context and promote a cohesive living environment.”
It is hoped the new apartments which are the first stage of the town’s regeneration will help improve the area with future developments including one on the Woodhead Street car park and the former Co-Op, which has been purchased by Wirral Council.
Approving the application, David Hughes, Wirral Council’s Director of Regeneration and Place, said: “The proposed redevelopment of both sites as a comprehensive scheme taking into account New Ferry Masterplan is considered a positive contribution in terms of housing provision and design, the regeneration of New Ferry and the implementation of the master plan are supported by this proposal.
“The scheme as a whole is considered to reflect the character and density of the surrounding area and as such is therefore appropriate.”
In initial consultations carried out, 50 people were supportive, 32 were neutral, and 29 were negative. Common concerns about the plans included a “lack of new retail and relocation of the Woodhead Street car park” as well as concerns over development management, according to Regenda documents.
After the planning application was submitted, six objected with one neutral raising issues about the design, parking, as well as lack of shops and retail provided.
In response to criticism about a lack of new retail, Wirral Council’s former regeneration director Alan Evans previously said the council was hoping the new apartments would bring in more footfall and create a customer base in the area for new businesses. This includes reopening boarded up shops as well as see greengrocers and butchers return.
Wirral Council previously said work would begin on the first phase “at the earliest opportunity” if the plans were approved. It was also confirmed “the handful of properties on New Chester Road yet to be acquired are now the subject of Compulsory Purchase Orders to remove them as barriers to the redevelopment.”
On top of the developments, Wirral Council received Future High Streets funding from the government to improve the high street with new benches, money to address traffic issues in the area and new planters.
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