Construction is due to begin on a controversial development in West Kirby almost a year after Wirral Council gave it the go-ahead.
The new Links development at 100 and 102 Meols Drive will provide a mix of two and three bed apartments with some being more than 3,000 square feet.
The site is opposite the Royal Liverpool Golf Course and demolition of both properties has now begun. Construction is expected to start next month according to developer Blueoak Estates.
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The development is going ahead after Wirral Council approved the scheme in August 2022 despite objections from local councillors and people in the area. The approval was incredibly controversial with one resident calling the decision to approve the scheme “disgraceful.”
Those against the plans questioned the sustainability of the project, the loss of trees, and argued a Wirral Council report "lacks objectivity and provided only incomplete information in key areas.” The proposed demolition of a conservatory and coach house to the back of one of the properties was also raised as a concern.
However councillors praised the scheme for providing housing to the area and maximising land use and was voted through nine to two with representatives of all four political parties voting for it.
The decision was later labelled by Hoylake councillors as “a travesty of natural common sense” but planning chair Stuart Kelly said some claims put out were “just not true” and defended the decision.
Blueoak Estates is building a three-floor building with 10 apartments with underground parking, lift access and a garden will be provided. The developer said each apartment will be different in design “with fine point attention to luxury and detail, offering breath-taking views and vast floor area.”
According to property valuator The Move Market, 100 Meols Drive was purchased for £1,150,000 while 102 Meols Drive was purchased for £1,050,000 in January this year and is believed to be one of the most expensive developments on the Wirral with some apartments coming with a wine store, boot room, and pantry.
Iain MacLean, managing director of Blueoak Estates said: “The Links is an absolute show stopper scheme that will set a new benchmark in luxury homes within Wirral.
“We believe that these homes will appeal to a broad audience who are ultimately seeking unrivalled apartment living in one of Wirral’s finest addresses.”
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