A CONSVERVATION group has blasted plans for a new development at Brimstage to be built on greenbelt land.

Leverhulme Estate has applied for planning permission to convert farm buildings at Brimstage Hall into a shop with delicatessen counters and a café along with a new customer overflow car park with room for coaches.

The scheme has riled Thornton Hough Community Trust who work to protect areas from “unwelcome and unnecessary” developments.

A spokesman for the group said: “If the plans are approved this development could potentially have a serious effect on the viability of other local farm shops and change the environment in the immediate vicinity for ever.

“In order for them to put in the new car park and access point they will have to destroy a large amount of hedgerow.

“The trust is actively opposing this application, asking the council what are the ‘very special circumstances’ enabling development on green belt in Brimstage.”

Wirral Globe:

The proposed design of the plans at Brimstage

At the same time the trust is also concerned a retirement village proposal by English Care Villages would increase the population of Thornton Hough by a third and attract a “minority of affluent people”.

The village would contain a 48-bed care home, 24 close care apartments and 96 assisted living apartments along with a village square containing a restaurant, café-bar, shop, library and beauty salon.

There will also be a ‘Wellness Centre’ complete with a spa, gym and pool.

He added: “We are certain that there are more less high profile applications throughout the borough in existence, all trying to erode Wirral’s heritage.

“None of these must be allowed to succeed.”

The planning application for Leverhulme Estates said: “The conversion would provide an opportunity to create a vibrant destination that embraces and enhances the charm of the existing buildings.

“Although built to modern standards, the building would look to relate to the scale and form of the existing building ranges and create a light and airy environment that engages the visitor, invites them to participate in the activities and highlights the wonderfully rich history of the hall and courtyard.

“The conversion is intended to be sympathetic to the existing environment and it is envisaged that the proposed materials will reflect those already present in the surrounding buildings.”

To sign the protest petition click here https://www.change.org/p/wirral-borough-council-not-on-greenbelt-stop-developments-on-greenbelt-land-in-thornton-hough-and-wirral