Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society
ITPAS
NEWSLETTER Volume 22, Issue 2 - November 2019
Progress, but Green Belt Threat Remains ITPAS, as part of Wirral Green Space Alliance (WGSA, comprising 20 Community and Environmental Groups),
has helped force real change on the Council but, though the rhetoric has altered, we remain convinced that their continued insistence on the ridiculously high 'New Housing Need' figure of 12,045 additional homes in effect means that, "at great cost to the People of Wirral, their advisors are indicating the safest way to go Green Belt and Farmland still 'at risk' down the completely wrong road" - one which to a considerable and unnecessary extent puts Green Belt at real risk, increases opportunities for developers to build the 'wrong type of houses in the wrong places', and which would actually reduce the likelihood, extent and pace of Regeneration of Wirral's run-down communities. Stung by the political swing against them in the May Local Elections, the new Labour Administration announced that it needed to take note of the views of and involve WGSA in the development of Wirral's Local Plan. Seizing the opportunity, we have so far had two 'strategic' meetings with Cabinet Members and Senior Officers and two 'technical' meetings with Senior Council Planners, plus other exchanges. Changes have been agreed along lines we had been advocating for over two years but to date we have no proof that actions have matched promises; AND the 'elephant in the room' remains the Council's adherence to the 12,045 New Homes figure despite Councillors and Officers still failing to answer the basic and often-posed question: "with falling population and little inward migration, from where are the twenty-to-thirty thousand additional people coming?" Sheer nonsense.
One chart from expert Papers on 'Housing Need' figures produced by WGSA specialists - Council Officers admit they haven't read these nor had a professional evaluation done.
Government has had a role in this, not least in its postponement of permitting the headline use of updated National Statistics, but successive Secretaries of State have told our Council that the figure derived from the 'standard method' is NOT a 'Target' but the minimum figure to be challenged by a locally assessed Case. The ONS (Office of National Statistics) itself has said that the National Figures are unsound and in future the more robust, official Local Data should be used. Applying such authorised Local Data from the 'standard method' starting point produces a Housing Need for Wirral of around 3,000 and NOT 12,045. Such is the discrepancy in the figures and approach. Why, you may well ask, is the Council still sticking to the discredited 12,045 figure?
Read more on this story inside and see the ITPAS 'Planning Watch' Headlines.
Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society
Progress, but Green Belt Threat remains (continued) "You couldn't make it up" - a phrase frequently heard in connection with the Council's Local Plan. ☻
"No-one in the Council believes that Wirral's 'Housing Need' is 12,045 new dwellings" but the Council won't budge. (stated by senior Council representatives during a meeting with ITPAS and WGSA).
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For a year, Planning Officers insisted on a 20% 'Buffer' addition for recent under-delivery of new homes, and stated in Public Meetings this meant 14,454 not 12,045 new dwellings. WGSA argued that providing 20% more than needed was illogical, could lead to 2,000 empty homes and pointed to a misunderstanding of Guidance. After we obtained and revealed Local Government Association clarification, the Council admitted their error, reducing the overall 'Housing Need' by over 2,400.
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WBC recently admitted it HAD after all "proposed release of Green Belt land to accommodate new housing" when the ruling Party had repeatedly stated that it had no such plans and hadn't discussed political preferences for Sites. Now we're told by largely the same people that the 'new administration' has different aims including protecting Green Belt. They could demonstrate this by taking relevant actions and basing its Local Plan on ACTUAL NEED (i.e. on less than 12,045 homes).
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Our 'cash-strapped' Council has spent vast sums on consultants, advisors (one over £130k) and staff producing Local Plan 'evidence'. But, much has now been deemed 'unsound' and new Consultants are being engaged to redo it. We're informed this includes redoing the entire Wirral-wide Green Belt Sites Review and that the status of the '48 Sites Under Further Investigation' is in doubt - as are the Consultation contributions of last October from over 2,300 individuals and organisations.
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For years, ITPAS has asked where 20,000+ new residents are coming from to live in the additional 12,045 homes, especially having regard to NIL population or migration growth and lower economic projections. Nothing was forthcoming until at a recent meeting, a senior Cabinet member gave the answer: "the Homeless" (20,000!!). The author, having helped start a homeless charity, gasped in disbelief at such a lack of appreciation. At the next meeting, the answer given was "those on the Housing List", but we pointed out (i) almost all on the Housing List are not 'homeless' but looking for different homes (larger, smaller, ground floor, different location, better quality, etc.); and (ii) such moves (being satisfied at 150 pw) may require some upgrading or replacement of existing housing stock but do NOT generally involve additional stock, and are thus not part of the 12,045 new homes figure.
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ITPAS obtained a list of grants/funds for which local authorities and developers could bid in order to access capital and improve viability for regeneration/development of homes; also to address often contaminated, 'conflicted' brownfield sites - to increase early availability of developable sites and bring forward future supply, thus reducing long-term deprivation and promoting community revival. We (volunteers) were asked to provide the list of grants and funds FOR the Council (!!) and did.
Achievements - we list some changes ITPAS and WGSA have long argued for, which the Council say they are NOW doing as part of their changed approach: □ The 'Buffer', imposed for recent 'under-delivery' of new homes, is at last to be applied properly, as part of the Housing Target for Years 6-to-15 brought forward into the First 5-Year Period, to boost early supply. Having secured a reduction of 2,400+ in the overall Target, we are arguing the actual past delivery shortfall was overstated through applying an inflated annual Target; and thus that the 'Buffer' penalty should be 5% not 20%, lowering the First 5-Year Period figure by another 2,000.
□
Instead of minimising 'brownfield' capacity the Council now say they are looking to increase the number and capacity within their Register, and have identified omissions and accepted suggestions.
□
WBC had included just 1,100 dwellings at 'Wirral Waters' and set the burden of proof unusually high. We cited other authorities who were seeking to maximise supply from such regeneration; now the Council has agreed to Peel Holding's 'middle scenario' of 4,650 dwellings and is pressing for more.
□
We stressed Peel's contention that development at 'Wirral Waters' depended upon the Council redeveloping adjacent run-down areas in parallel. Formerly citing a lack of funding, WBC are now working with 'Homes England' on funding to have a 'Regeneration-led' Local Plan. (continued ...)
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Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society Achievements - continued
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Another measure ITPAS had advocated was to reclassify where suitable non-housing areas that had stayed vacant for many years for new housing. The Council have now identified opportunities.
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We had pointed out that not only did new Government Guidance state that local plans HAD to be 'brownfield first' and show proof that all opportunities had been thoroughly investigated but there was also a requirement to use the higher allowable standard densities (as suited to individual areas) in order to make best use of available land and minimise pressure on Green Belt. This is to happen.
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The Council has accepted that communications with groups like ITPAS and WGSA had been woeful and information withheld unreasonably. This has started to change and has just included release (after a year) of Reports produced by the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester regarding the 'Housing Need' for Wirral. These Reports may have been overtaken somewhat by events but still support WGSA assessments and NOT the 12,045 figure the Council are wedded to. Prof. David Gregg and Graham Stevens (modellers and demographers in WGSA) have produced updated reports with even more local evidence supporting a 'Housing Need' less than half of WBC's 12,045 figure. We have offered to share costs for an open professional evaluation: to date the Council have suggested they have their own review done separately from ours - transparency?
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ITPAS had proposed a series of 'hybrid' schemes whereby non-Green Belt sites are assembled by measures such as land-swaps, clearance, relocation, compulsory purchase (using recently increased powers), etc. which fall outside the strict definition of 'brownfield' but could deliver early housing supply gains. The Council has stated that it would look to investigate this approach.
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ITPAS has suggested that, rather than accept the falling numbers of 'empty homes' being returned to the market, the Council should use its powers and 'Homes England' funds to start a new pro-active Programme designed to considerably increase the returns from Wirral's thousands of 'empty homes'.
ITPAS 'Planning Watch' Headlines: Whilst heavily involved in seeking a 'L Local Plan' suited to the real needs of Wirral, ITPAS has continued its 'Planning Watch' of all new applications and unresolved ones. Some are mentioned below: APP/19/00113 - Brookfield, Sandy Lane/Thurstaston Road, Irby: Application was refused following Objections by ITPAS and local residents on grounds of inappropriate size and character of the proposed large agricultural building beside small scale residences, and where there were real safety concerns about large, slow-moving farm vehicles and restricted access. However, on 14th October an Appeal was lodged, Ref: 3239055 (or PP-07571206). No details are available for scrutiny yet. APP/19/01458 - Old Rectory, Telegraph Road, Thurstaston, CH61 0HJ: This is an Application for very large extensions. Issues being discussed and to be raised with Planners are the suitability and effect upon the Green Belt setting, the size of the final building (which would extend to 268% of the original size), and the design and character indicated by the submission drawings. APP/19/00520, LBC/19/00521 and Appeals 3227969/3227960 - Hillbark Hotel: ITPAS supports a successful 5-Star Hotel here but objects to a lack of full and timely Planning actions, as significant items have remained in Green Belt without due Consent for months, even years in some cases. Applications remained 'undecided' for over 12 months, were then refused, followed quickly by fresh but almost identical applications and immediate Council decisions 'not to determine' which left the way clear for Appeals without official criticism of any Party. Appeals have not yet been decided. APP/19/00096 - Affordable Homes on Site of Former Pensby Hall Residential Home: ITPAS supported demolition of this redundant building and its replacement with 15 much-needed 2-bedroom 'affordable' apartments. Our issue here was why had this Site (like many others) NOT been included on the Council's 'Brownfield Register', as they had withdrawn the Licence and recorded the Home as 'closed'. If Members have concerns or hear or see things about Green Belt, please let us know.
STOP PRESS:
See our Contact details.
APP/19/01591: Demolition of Stable Buildings + Erection of 2-Storey House, Wellington Barn, Mill Hill Road, Irby probable inappropriate development within Green Belt. Further comment will be available soon. Objection likely. Draft Local Plan going to Cabinet in November, Full Council in December and Public Comment Jan/Feb 2020
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itpas2018@gmail.com
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Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society
Grant Updates Earlier this year ITPAS applied for grants for two projects from the West Wirral Community Fund. One was for funding to create a new flowerbed at Irby Library to complement the two existing beds currently maintained by ITPAS, the other application was to purchase daffodil bulbs for Irby copse. In March this year we were delighted to hear our grant applications had been approved and that we were to receive funding totalling £1,000.00. Graham Patrick (The Village Barber), read about the scheme and very kindly donated a beautiful Rowan ‘Copper Kettle” in memory of his late wife Susan Margaret Patrick.
The new flowerbed has now been created with a theme of Autumnal colour. The plants are establishing nicely and I am sure you will agree are an attractive addition to the existing Irby library garden.
The second application was for daffodil bulbs for Irby Copse. You may recall an earlier programme of daffodil planting at the same location. When BT installed the broadband boxes and the new communication mast was installed the area was dug up and many of the bulbs either damaged or lost. The latest grant will fund the replacement and additional bulbs around the bus stop next to the post office.
Maintenance of the flowerbeds is an essential and ongoing commitment and although funding enables us to plant the borders and enhance our village the volunteers who maintain the flowerbeds are absolutely vital to the long-term success of the project. We are grateful for all the help we receive from our willing volunteers who maintain the beds in immaculate condition throughout the year. We are always looking for more volunteers, the work is not arduous and usually only requires an hour each month for light weeding, collection of fallen leaves and general tidying.
ITPAS also organise copse clear ups and litter picks, please contact me if this is something that might interest you. Melanie
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Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society
DEECOASTLINERS Dee Coastliners is a Tidal Dee Catchment Partnership project designed to inspire coastal communities on the Wirral and in Flintshire & Denbighshire about the natural heritage of the Dee Estuary. Led by Cheshire Wildlife Trust and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project aims to: ● Make the Estuary a greater part of more people’s lives and a better place to live, work and play. ● Work with local communities, visitors and partners to ensure our natural heritage is better managed and recorded. ● Raise awareness of the habitats and wildlife along both sides of the Estuary. ● Empower local communities to reduce environmental impacts and offer training and life-long learning.
Follow this link for more information https://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/deecoastliners
Apparently the new film, OFFICIAL SECRETS, starring Matthew Goode, Keira Knightley, MyAnna Buring and Ralph Fiennes, had some scenes which were filmed on Thurstaston Beach. When you see it, try to spot the locations. The film is a 2019 British-American docudrama film based on the life of whistleblower Katharine Gun who leaked a memo detailing that the United States had eavesdropped on diplomats from countries tasked with passing a second United Nations resolution on the invasion of Iraq.
Photo: Dan Pugh
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Viking Heritage Trail Professor Stephen Harding of Nottingham University, has worked on the Viking Heritage of the Wirral for many years and written many books on the subject. He has established a Viking Trail which starts in Thurstaston and Irby. ITPAS has worked with him in the past to create and install the Viking themed THINGWALL place name plates you will have seen whilst driving. ITPAS are working with him again towards the creation of an educational mini-trail from the VIKING noticeboard (which we helped to create) in the Bassett Hound carpark up to the top of nearby Cross Hill, rumoured to be the seat of the ‘Thing’ or Viking Parliament in the area. This will give children and other visitors the chance to imagine the scene from history as Ingimund made speeches to the Viking throng around him. The trail can be found here - https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/-sczsteve/Proposal.htm It will be publicised in print very soon.
Irby Christmas Lights When this year’s Christmas lights are switched on, (on Friday 29th November), visitors will see an additional display. Encouraged by the Greasby tree displays last Christmas, the village lights collaborative group* explored illuminating Irby’s 13 medium sized trees between McColl’s and Mill Hill Road. After considering capital outlay and public safety, they opted to illuminate the tree opposite the chip shop before evaluating the display, with a view to lighting more trees in future years. ITPAS is proud to have been a supporter of the Irby Christmas lights for many years, having acted as the approved charity when applying for financial grants. So, we are pleased to report that in October, ITPAS received a grant from Wirral Borough Council’s “Wirral Together Fund”, (after endorsement from Councillor Wendy Clements), and have purchased 40 metres of coloured, twinkly, LED fairy lights plus power transformer. These have now been installed in the tree. Following the switch on, we’d welcome members’ comments to help decide what to do with the remaining trees from 2020 onwards. *The Irby Christmas Lights collaborative Group consists of representatives from the Shippons, Irby Club, Irby Village Hall, Irby Evangelical Church and ITPAS, though there are many other schools, churches, businesses, Friends of Irby Library and other organisations who provide support to the lights and to the switch on event.
ITPAS only succeeds as a Society because of the support given by you as subscribers and also because of the energy and commitment of the Committee. They assess the issues that are brought to their attention and decide on the course of action. This may be by way of an objection, a campaign, a questionnaire, a working party - whatever is required. The Committee is in need of some help by recruiting more interested parties willing to help in this way and to ensure continuity into the future. If you think you can help us to continue our good work in the community with a couple of hours a month please contact our Chairman or Secretary. - See Page 8.
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More Grant Work With the aid of a grant from WBC and some wonderful work from local blacksmith Wolfgang, ITPAS have recently replaced the dilapidated kissing gate adjacent to the Anchor Inn in Irby Village. We now need to refurbish the associated steelwork fencing. This will be done as part of a volunteer ITPAS working party in December aimed at upgrading the area around the gate which has become quite neglected in recent months. Volunteers please contact any Committee member.
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Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society ITPAS Committee 2018-19
Chairman Melanie Walker – 648-6780
All meetings are at 19:30 in Irby Library unless otherwise stated. Free for members.
Vice Chairman / Newsletter / Web Roy Fisher - 648-7671 roy@royfisher.co.uk
Our next scheduled talk should be
Wirral from the Air
Secretary Janet Trigg - 648-8821 Treasurer & Membership Latimah Sinclair - 648-2444 Planning & Footpaths John Heath- 648-6015 johnheath@barnstables233.co.uk
By Beach/Conservation Officer Jim McCormac - 604-0376
Gavin Hunter Watch our noticeboards and emails
Committee Members Carole Penrose - 648-4116 Iris Stubbs - 648-7260 David Bromwell - 648-3826 Ken Burnley -
To be sure of the date, time and venue.
Charity Commission Liaison Lukman Sinclair - 648-2444
If anyone has seen a talk recently in another local group and can recommend it for ITPAS then please contact a member of the Committee with details
Members should check their subscription payments to see if they owe for the coming year. Please talk to our Membership Secretary for details of how best to pay.
Can members ensure that their contact details are up-to-date please. Contact the Membership Secretary to inform of changes to address, telephone or email. We are hoping that our new members become involved in shaping future policy and events by coming up with ideas and suggestions and maybe by offering to serve on our committee for a time. New blood and new contributions are always welcome. Please contact us if you feel you would like to be more involved.
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Please pass this Newsletter on to a friend or neighbour to encourage interest in our society. We need more people to join ITPAS at £12.00 per household. In this way we can keep the subscription costs at this rate and continue to do the work we do for the community. The £12.00 is excellent value giving you two Newsletters each year plus four free talks in addition to obtaining grants, monitoring planning and organising actions on your behalf in our area. If every household got one other to join it would make a huge difference.
© ITPAS – Contact the Newsletter editor, details on this page, if you wish to extract information from this Newsletter. For externally drafted articles, contact the copyright holder or author directly (details will be shown). We are more than happy to receive articles, comments, letters or suggestions though they may or may not be included in our forthcoming Newsletters or on the ITPAS website. Any such articles may also be edited at the discretion of the Committee. ITPAS committee members can be contacted by phone or email as detailed above.
itpas2018@gmail.com
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