WIRRAL has been shortlisted to become one of the first flagship “housing zones” in England in a bid to help provide thousands of new homes across the country.

A shortlist of 29 areas outside London was published on Thursday, with each one now having to bid become one of the 10 housing zones – where it will be easier and quicker to build new homes on brownfield land.

There is enough brownfield land across England to provide up to 200,000 new homes.

Ministers expect to see planning permissions covering 90% of this land to be in place by 2020.

Housing minister Brandon Lewis said getting Britain building is a “vital part of our long term economic plan”.

Wirral West MP Esther McVey said: “We need to see more new homes built and I’m keen that, here in Wirral, that will be on brownfield sites. 

“I am delighted that brownfield sites in Wirral have been shortlisted by the Government for this extra investment.”

Chancellor George Osborne said: “Alongside other important measures like Help to Buy, we are doing everything we can to boost housing supply and to make sure people can get a home of their own.”

In the year to September, planning permission was granted on 240,000 new homes – near-record levels - while housebuilding starts are at their highest since 2007.

The 10 areas that are finally chosen will have the chance to build homes for local communities while continuing to protect the green belt.