A DECISION on controversial plans to build a fire station on Green Belt land in Saughall Massie is expected to be made next week.

Councillors will consider a planning officer's report recommending the new facility on Saughall Massie Road is given the go-ahead when Wirral's planning committee meets at Wallasey Town Hall next Thursday night, December 15.

If approved, the application will be referred to the Government who may decide to "call in" the decision for further examination.

A decision on the controversial scheme was due to be made last month during a meeting attended by 156 objectors.

But it was deferred until after a site visit, which is due to take place this Tuesday morning, December 13.

The planned development includes a single-storey two-bay community fire station incorporating operational and welfare accommodation, offices and meeting space, external drill and training facilities and associated car-parking.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the station, if approved, would cut response times to West Kirby and Hoylake.

It will replace existing fire stations in West Kirby and Upton and will be designed to be sympathetic to the local environment.

According to the report to councillors, 559 objections to this proposal have been received and 40 representations of support have been received.

A qualifying petition of objection signed by 3112 signatures has also been received.

Protesters say the development would damage the character of the village as well as creating traffic hazards.

Following the meeting on November 10, Conservative ward councillor Chris Blakeley told the Globe: "156 residents turned up to the planning committee, all opposed to this application.

"It's right that those councillors on the Planning Committee want to see the site before making a decision.

"I'm hopeful that, when they have visited, they'll understand why so many people in Saughall Massie and Moreton oppose this threat to our Green Belt and refuse this application."

Conservation society chairman Les Spencer said: "We must not allow this dangerous precedent of developing on green belt land, when an alternative solution is clear for everyone to see."

The fire service recently said: "After cuts to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority’s budget the authority was forced to make savings of £6.5m.

"The proposal in Wirral is to close Upton and West Kirby fire stations, and build a new fire station as close to mid-way between the stations as can be achieved. This was supported through an extensive public consultation.

"Saughall Massie Road was one of many sites considered.

"However, it was the only site that was suitable, available, and would enable the authority to provide effective cover across West Wirral, maintaining the ten-minute response time in line with the rest of Merseyside. "

The Chairman of the Saughall Massie Village Area Conservation Society, Les Spencer said: "We must not allow this dangerous precedent of developing on green belt land, when an alternative solution is clear for everyone to see."

Next Thursday's planning committee meeting starts at 6pm.