WORK has begun on the former site of the much-loved Dell pub to create 28 two-bedroom apartments.

The £2.8m project based on Prenton Hall Road from social housing provider Onward will be delivered by Liverpool-based construction and development company Crossfield Group.

Seven of the 28 apartments will be designed for the elderly and people with mobility issues with level access throughout and walk-in shower facilities.

All the apartments will have its own dedicated parking space.

Victoria Alderton from Wirral-based architects Paddock Johnson who designed the scheme, said: “The plans for these homes have been very carefully considered in order to create apartments that are affordable, appealing and welcoming to buyers and at the same time minimise the impact of the building on neighbouring properties.

“Through the design we have made the greatest possible distance between the new apartments and the existing properties on Dickens Avenue whilst at the same time maintaining the same building line on Prenton Hall Road.

"The height of the development will also match the heights of the four storey buildings on either side of it, so it’s very much in keeping with the area.”

The development had originally come under scrutiny, with residents complaining about 'potential antisocial behaviour' and an 'ugly' design.

Others also argued that there had been a lack of consultation over the plans to demolish The Dell.

Despite the objections Wirral Council's planning committee approved the plans in June.

Onward head of Development Lin Powell said: “The scheme for 28 two bedroom apartments is part of our ongoing commitment to developing affordable homes in Wirral and is an example of successful partnering between Onward, Crossfield, Homes England and Wirral Borough Council.”

Crossfield Group will work to ensure that each of the projects deliver additional benefits to their respective local communities.

This includes employing local people on site including those who have previously been unemployed, delivering educational sessions for schools and improving local public spaces.

David Cain, director at Crossfield Group, said: “It’s vitally important that there are high quality homes available in the affordable rental sector and we are proud to be able to partner with Onward to deliver these much-needed apartments.

“Onward Homes is delivering some of the most innovative housing projects in the North West and we are pleased to be working alongside them to deliver these four excellent schemes.”

The development is set to be completed by Autumn 2020.