WORK on a housing complex in Hoylake is due to start later this year after a revised scheme was unanimously approved by local authority planners.

Campaigners had raised objections to Wirral Partnership Homes' initial proposal for a four-storey block of 32 flats at Hoose Court in Market Street.

The building is intended to replace a block that was demolished last year because it was, according to the housing association, "not up to standard".

A Wirral Partnership Homes spokesman confirmed that work will be put out for tender with a view to starting work on its construction later this year.

Objectors were concerned that the height of the four-storey structure would be out of kilter with other buildings in the town.

There were also worries it would lead to an unacceptable increase in traffic on nearby Hazel Road and Chapel Road.

After a meeting with councillors and local residents, WPH made alterations addressing those concerns, which were considered by Wirral's planning committee on Tuesday night.

The building will now be 2.1m lower as a result of the fourth storey being moved into the roof space.

The flats will also be let on a 'local lettings' policy, which means they will be available for rent by people of all age groups.

Cllr John Hale, who had raised concerns with Wirral Partnership Homes, welcomed the decision to grant permission for building to go ahead.

He told the Globe: "I'm content with it, because in the various meetings with WPH, the objectors' main two main concerns were the height of the building and the traffic in Hazel Road and Chapel Road.

"I'm reasonably happy that their concerns have been addressed."

Among opponents to the initial scheme was Hoylake resident Tony Evans. In a recent letter to the Globe he wrote: "All we know for sure is that despite the modifications, the developers still intend to go ahead with a development of four-storey flats that will dwarf the surrounding properties in the face of strong opposition from local people, as expressed so clearly at the so-called 'consultation meeting'."

Constructed in the early 1970s, Hoose Court was split over two buildings.

Residents of the front block had to share mixed-sex bathrooms and toilet facilities, but WPH says they have now been moved to "better" accommodation.

The second block that sits at the back of the Hoose Court site will remain.