Extraordinary meeting of Wirral’s council called to adopt Local Plan

21 March 2025
Wirral Local Plan - breaking news

An extraordinary meeting of Wirral’s full council has been called in which elected members will be asked to approve the  adoption of the Local Plan.

This follows the letter from Planning Inspectors giving what is believed to be the country’s first Brownfield-Only Local Plan the green light.

The Local Plan sets out how the borough should be developed over the next 15 years to 2040 – what Wirral will look like for the next generation and beyond. 

Council Leader, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: 

We are ready to adopt our pioneering brownfield-only Local Plan. The Planning Inspectorate's approval validates our vision. The Labour group has called for an extraordinary council meeting to adopt this plan immediately. Focusing on brownfield sites will drive  regeneration in areas needing investment. This plan will provide modern homes and skilled jobs, ensuring a brighter future for all residents.

By prioritising brownfield sites, we address housing shortages, drive economic growth, and promote social equity. This plan is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainable development, ensuring improved living conditions and greater opportunities for all residents.

The positive impact of the Wirral Local Plan will be profound, especially for deprived areas. Focusing on brownfield regeneration will enhance housing quality with modern, affordable homes, boost employment through development projects, and significantly improve residents' quality of life.

Together, we are not just building homes; we are building hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for every resident of Wirral. This Local Plan is more than a policy—it promises our community a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Wirral. Let's embrace this moment and work hand in hand to turn this vision into reality.

The Local Plan will replace Wirral’s current Unitary Development Plan that dates back to 2000, and it will provide an up-to-date policy framework to help shape the future of the borough. 

The Plan focuses on developing previously used land, mainly in the east of the borough. By doing this, we aim to make real progress in addressing significant inequalities – such as health, life expectancy, and wealth – that exist between the east and west of Wirral, while also protecting our rich natural and built heritage.

The letter from the planning inspectors regarding the Local Plan is published here. 

The Extraordinary Council meeting will take place on Monday, 31st March from 6pm at Wallasey town hall. The agenda is available on the council website here. The meeting can be viewed online live or later via the webcast which can be accessed from the agenda webpage.

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