A COUNCILLOR is urging developers behind Wirral Waters to take urgent action on promises of jobs, homes and regeneration.

In a letter to Salford-based Peel Group, Cllr Brian Kenny said "significant" progress was needed to move the scheme forward.

Heralded as the country's biggest regeneration project, the Wirral Waters scheme was launched in 2010.

It was anticipated around 27,000 new jobs will be created over the next 30 years along with the complete transformation of derelict land at East Float Docks.

Planning permission has been given to Peel to build thousands of new homes on the site.

But nothing has yet materialised - and with the Government setting new building targets to tackle the UK’s housing crisis, the pressure is growing.

Labour councillor Kenny's letter to Richard Mawdsley, Peel’s director of development, says: "Ten years ago all parties welcomed the announcement of the redevelopment of Wirral Waters.

"We were encouraged by the recent completion of Wirral Met College Campus but while Peel still holds planning permissions for 13,500 houses, we must see more progress.

"The Government announced aggressive house building targets for Wirral which puts the green belt at risk.

"While the Government is issuing top down targets for house building, we know our residents have immediate needs for accessible and affordable homes now." 

The letter goes on: "It is time for Peel to make significant progress on your house building proposals to support the regeneration of Wirral.

"Without immediate action from Peel we fear other developers will target the green belt to meet the Government’s house building targets.

"As well as providing jobs and regeneration opportunities for local residents, Peel can help protect our beautiful green spaces by delivering on Wirral Waters.

"I look forward to hearing what steps Peel will take to deliver on the ambitious Wirral Waters project".

A spokesman for Peel told the Globe: "We note Councillor Kenny's comments and will respond directly to his queries. 

"Peel has been striving to address hurdles to delivery at Wirral Waters, including investment in infrastructure, site remediation, viability and funding. 

"All are necessary to enable sustained delivery to happen for the benefit of surrounding communities. 

"There are a number of schemes at Wirral Waters – including three residential projects with 800 homes – that with the right support and infrastructure, could be delivered in the short term. 

"We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners, both public and private, to secure a successful outcome."
 

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