A SITE visit will take place next week ahead of a decision on amended proposals to demolish a Wirral pub to make way for a housing scheme.

Wirral planning committee meets next Wednesday to consider the proposal which, if approved, would see the Millhouse in Millhouse Lane, Moreton, demolished bulldozed and 38 apartments built in its place.

A site visit will take place on Monday, October 20, at 12.20pm. Local residents are invited to attend.

The original application was for 40 flats but, following objections from local residents, the number was reduced.

The scheme had been recommended for approval and was due for discussion by planning committee when it met on Thursday.

The development has concerned local residents, who say the buildings are too high for the area and could worsen parking problems.

The flats would overlook people's homes, causing loss of privacy.

A protest petition of 145 signatures was submitted to the council along with 42 individual letters of objection.

Conservative councillor for Moreton West and Saughall Massie Chris Blakeley told the Globe recently: "I am delighted that this matter was deferred for a site visit.

"I believe it is really important that planning committee members get a feel of how this inappropriate development will impact on the lives of residents who live close by.

"It's clear that a three-storey development, even this scaled-down proposal, does not fit in with the existing Streetscene and would be a blot on the landscape in Millhouse Lane.

"Local residents deserve to be able to enjoy a decent level of amenity.

"If approved this application would remove that, "I hope, following the site visit that planning committee members will be minded to refuse this application."

A report to Thursday's meeting said: “The proposed residential use is appropriate in this location and will replace a non-conforming use.

“The proposals will meet an identified local need for affordable housing.

"The appearance of the building will make a positive contribution to the locality without having a detrimental impact on the amenities of neighbouring uses.

“The proposals meet requirements of local and national planning policy.”