A PLANNING application from Tranmere Rovers to develop land it owns at Ingleborough Road created a public outcry.

Here, the Globe allows Andrew Morrison, board member of the TRFC Supporters Trust, to put their side of the story.

We have invited lead opponent Dean Johnson to do the same and you can read his article by clicking the link below.

A RESPECTFUL, publicly accessible war memorial to the fallen of Birkenhead Institute and state-of-the-art sports facilities for generations of youngsters were just two benefits of joint plans to create a new housing development and sports complex on Wirral.

The Tranmere Rovers Supporters Trust believes the plans, which were backed by the vast majority of residents in their respective areas, would have transformed the sporting facilities available to the local community, safeguarded the future of Tranmere Rovers, created jobs in a tough economy and provided a publicly-accessible tribute to the Institute's former pupils who died in the First World War.

Although Tranmere Rovers recently withdrew their planning applications to redevelop the Ingleborough Road playing fields and land adjacent to Woodchurch Leisure Centre, the trust hopes that common sense would prevail, if they are re-submitted.

Opponents argue that the site at Ingleborough Road should be preserved as a memorial to the 88 former pupils who lost their lives in the Great War.

Under the plans, however, the existing memorial plaque would have been cleaned and relocated, as part of a dedicated memorial set in a landscaped area at the southern entrance to the development.

Trust chairman Ben Harrison said: “Both proposals were overwhelmingly welcomed by their respective communities and you only have to read the planning applications to appreciate the significant number of benefits they would have brought.

“They were important not only for the future of the Wirral’s only professional football club, but also for current and future generations of residents who would have enjoyed access to state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of community, charity and health and well-being initiatives.

“At the moment, the field at Ingleborough Road is locked and inaccessible to the public. A stone that forms part of the memorial is set within the wall of a pavilion that has fallen into disrepair.

“Tranmere’s plans would have seen the stone cleaned and relocated to create a new memorial space at an entrance to the site, where it could be appreciated by all members of the public who wish to pay their respects.

“We agree with local residents that this would be a much more prominent and suitable way to honour the fallen pupils of Birkenhead Institute.”

The trust respects the opinions of those who opposed the schemes and were willing to meet in an effort to find common ground. Unfortunately, after constructive initial talks, the campaigner in question withdrew at the 11th hour from a meeting arranged with council leaders.

By incorporating a new memorial area in the plans, the trust believes that Tranmere Rovers recognised the importance of retaining a prominent tribute to the fallen.

Opponents say that 88 trees were planted – one for each fallen pupil – around the perimeter of the field and these would be under threat, but in reality there are 83 trees standing of a variety of ages and species, suggesting several different planting dates.

Under the plans, the vast majority would be preserved as part of the new development.

Trust vice-chairman Mark Bartley said: “Tranmere Rovers and all their supporters have the deepest regard and respect for those who lost their lives serving their country.

"The club counts many servicemen and women among its support and, arguably, does more than any other organisation on the Wirral to encourage respect by partnering the Royal British Legion every year to promote the Poppy Appeal, raising thousands through matches around Remembrance Day and other initiatives.

“Tranmere’s playing squad was also involved in the First World War war effort in the shipyards of Birkenhead and nine former players lost their lives in the line of duty during the Second World War, so to suggest that the club and its fans are disrespectful in any way is misguided.

"These plans would actually create a more fitting memorial space for public reflection.”