PLANS for almost 300 new homes on land at Burton's Biscuit factory site in Moreton have been unanimously approved.

The scheme, which centres on vacant buildings at the site in Pasture Road, was considered by councillors during a meeting of Wirral’s planning committee on Thursday night.

A decision on the proposal had been deferred last month for a site visit.

Burton's said the plans, developed following consultation with the local community and adjacent businesses, would provide much-needed new homes, regenerate the area and address concerns about building on a flood plain.

A consultation exercise took place in November and led to changes including enhanced boundary tree planting and landscaping; creation of an additional emergency access and the relocation of a security lodge serving the adjacent businesses.

The scheme for 299 new houses and apartments will include 10% for affordable homes.

A children's play area would be provided alongside public open space accessible to new and existing residents.

At the time plans were submitted the company's chief operating officer Simon Browne said: "We've worked long and hard on these plans and we feel that the scheme now submitted to Wirral Council will be of real benefit to the community in Moreton.

"Everyone agrees that we should be building houses on brownfield sites and this project presents a real opportunity to give this site a new lease of life by delivering much-needed new homes."

The news was welcomed by Conservative ward councillor Chris Blakeley, who told the Globe: "I was initially concerned about building on the flood plain, however I believe that suitable conditions have been put in place to dispel those concerns.

"I think this development, as well as helping to provide much needed homes, including an element of affordable housing will help with the resurgence of Moreton as a major shopping area and that has to be good for our town.   

"I was delighted to note that the developer has agreed to provide a sum of money for the provision of sports related provision within the Moreton area to negate the loss of the sports fields on the site.  

"It's clear that this site is not able to remain a manufacturing site and if left would simply become a huge blot on the landscape, so I am really pleased that Wirral's Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve this application."