PLANS have been approved for a huge housing development in Wirral opposed by over 1,000 people, with the decision sparking outrage.

The Acre Lane housing development will see 217 homes built on land formerly occupied by Bromborough Secondary School and playing fields, but concerns over issues including congestion and safety have been well publicised throughout the application process.

The site was last used for the Acre Lane Professional Excellence Centre, but was sold by Wirral Council in 2016 for an undisclosed sum, with the buildings now demolished.

Proposals were approved by the council’s planning committee at Wallasey Town Hall on Thursday, but before that, the application submitted by Morris Homes had to be deferred twice.

That was for a site visit for councillors, and then for developers to consider further documentation submitted by campaigners the Acre Lane Action Group.

The plans were subject to two petitions – one with 1,000 signatures from the campaign group.

Lead petitioner Jo Bird said the developer Morris Homes had “ignored” the petitioners’ concerns over issues such as congestion, pollution and safety.

She said: “We want housing in the area, but it must meet the needs of our community and future generations. The present application does not achieve this nor meet Wirral’s criteria for new housing.”

Fellow petitioner Dawn Halliday said the developers had a “poor knowledge” of the site, adding: “There are many brownfield sites on Wirral that could equally be used.”

Agent for the application, Jake Crompton, said Morris Homes had “worked to the brief” set by the council for the “high quality development”, which is part brownfield and part greenfield.

He said the plans came following public consultation and meeting with the action group, adding: “Morris Homes was selected as the number one house builder of 12 during the selection process.

“The plans do not represent over development of the area and they reflect the surrounding properties and character of the area.”

During the debate over the plans, various councillors raised concerns, with many saying the site was “suitable” for development, but, as Cllr Pat Cleary said, he was “genuinely concerned” not enough consultation had been carried out.

Concerns were also raised at lack of pedestrian access, congestion due to “600 extra cars” and the layout of the site.

One of the critics of the plans during discussion, Oxton ward Cllr Stuart Kelly moved a motion for refusal, that the development would have a “detrimental impact on the character and amenity of the area”, along with the reasons of safety and congestion.

But it lost after the seven Labour councillors voted against, with the original recommendation for approval being voted through by seven Labour votes to six.

Approval now means a section 106 planning obligation will see 20% of the homes be made affordable, as well as provisions from the developer including for open spaces, children’s play equipment and highway and transport works.

Speaking after the meeting, a spokesman for Acre Lane Action group said: “We are extremely disappointed with the decision to allow development of the site.

“There has been no consideration given to results of the extensive consultation undertaken by Acre Lane Action Group, which involved over 1,000 local residents.

“The development should be based on the distinct needs and characteristics of the area. It is therefore disappointing that both the council and the developers have not consulted the local community.”

Also speaking following Thursday’s meeting, committee member Cllr Ian Lewis, leader of the council’s Conservative group and one of those opposing the plans, said: “So much for listening to local people. The petitioners will be bitterly disappointed that Labour councillors have ignored their views and put the developer and the profit first and their concerns second.”

The news comes after the site was included in 91 brownfield locations identified by the council where plots exist “for the potential” to build a total of around 2,400 new homes.

It’s as part of a bid to meet a UK Government-imposed target of 12,000 new dwellings over the next 15 years, including 50 green belt sites – a move that’s been met with controversy following last week’s announcement.

Morris Homes was contacted for further comment.