PLANS for further development at a Wirral ferry terminal have been submitted for approval by councillors.

If given the green light, the scheme would see the expansion of the trailer/vehicle storage area at Twelve Quays terminal on Morpeth Dock along with new sections of the Wirral Circular Trail and other associated works.

The work would see the ferry terminal trailer/vehicle storage area area expanded and the installation of 2.9 metre high security fencing and floodlighting columns of up to 30 metres in height.

Additional works would comprise the formation of a new vehicular turning head to Morpeth Wharf and replacement footway/cycleway provision along with associated landscaping

A design and access statement, prepared by architects Maddox Planning on behalf of the applicant Stena Line Irish Sea Ferries Limited, described the proposal as "a further phase of proposed development in a series of developments associated with the upgrading of the Twelve Quays ferry terminal.

"It follows on from the improvement works to the Twelve Quays pontoon, berths and fixed and linkspan bridges to the north of the site.

"The current proposed development along with the previously implemented redevelopment of the ferry dock are geared towards the operation of New Stena Line E-Flexer ferries operating on the Birkenhead to Belfast route.

"Access to the proposed extended trailer yard will be through the existing Twelve Quays ferry terminal and its entrance on Tower Road.

"The proposed extension to the existing ferry terminal and the existing marshalling yards will expand over part of Wirral Circular Trail at a point where it is part of the adopted highway.

"The inclusion of the existing highway in the northern part of the site is required to allow for the application site to become integrated with current operations at the existing ferry terminal.

"The highway land affected will be stopped-up via the formal process.

"The new re-routed Wirral Circular Trail would be delivered to the requisite standard with both segregated walking and cycling, corresponding with other modern cycling and walking routes locally. Existing harbourside furniture and railings will be retained.

"The proposed design and access of scheme meets its functional requirements, is entirely appropriate in its context and will assist in supporting the modernisation and expansion of the Twelve Quays ferry terminal which has expanded periodically including to facilitate the introduction of new E-Flexer ferries in March 2020."