Wirral set to approve Tranmere’s controversial housing plans
COUNCILLORS on the Wirral have been advised to approve a controversial plan to build 90 houses on a playing field memorial to 88 men who lost their lives in the First World War.
Tranmere Rovers has applied for permission to build on Birkenhead Institute Playing Field on Ingleborough Road in Prenton.
A report prepared for the council’s planning committee on October 25 recommends the scheme is approved.
The seven-acre playing field, which was sold by Wirral Borough Council to Tranmere in 1995, was opened in 1926 to commemorate 88 boys from Birkenhead Institute, among them the war poet Wilfred Owen.
Its status as a memorial has triggered local opposition to Tranmere’s plans and among groups such as the War Memorials Trust, Birkenhead History Society and Birkenhead Old Boys.
But there is support too, from those who believe it will improve the area because the fields are currently closed to the public; provide more housing; and support Tranmere which is a “huge part” of the Wirral. There is also enthusiam for the alternative sports facilities the club is proposing at Carr Bridge Road.
The club, owned by chairman of AIM-listed Park Group Peter Johnson, has also promised to incorporate a new memorial to the war dead in the development.
It is keen to use the sale of the land – worth around £5m with planning – to cut its debts. The council says it is keen to support the club as it is “at the peak of the football pyramid within Wirral”.
In a planning report the council adds: “It must be noted, however, that having regard to the development plan, the site is not on land scheduled as an ancient monument, within a conservation area, nor is it a listed building or structure.
“As such, planning legislation and the development plan do not require that special attention is given to preserving its character or appearance. It is also important to note that covenants applied to the site are not a material planning consideration.”
