DEVELOPERS behind plans to demolish a former Wirral pub to make way for housing have lodged an appeal six months after the scheme was rejected.

Galliford Try's proposals, which would have seen 38 apartments built at the Millhouse pub in Moreton, were thrown out by councillors during a meeting of Wirral's planning committee in October.

It has emerged today the company has submitted papers appealing the decision.

Conservative councillor for Moreton West and Saughall Massie Chris Blakeley has called for a public hearing of the appeal to be held locally.

The original application was for 40 flats but after objections from householders the number was reduced by two.

Councillor Blakeley said: "We fully expected the applicant to submit an appeal.

"It was clear during the planning process the applicant had no interest in local peoples' views and they just wanted permission to build this monstrosity that would not fit in with the existing streetscene.

"What is important now is that the appeal is heard in the public arena and we have asked planning officers to make representation to the Inspectorate to request this matter is heard in the public arena.

"This is too important a matter to be determined by a faceless bureaucrat based in Bristol."