Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation

CORE STRATEGY LOCAL PLAN

SUMMARY OF INITIAL GREEN BELT ASSESSMENT

SEPTEMBER 2018

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 1 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation

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Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 2 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation

Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP001 – North of Greasby (east) Green Belt since December 1983 Development would not reduce the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement South of Saughall Massie Road, east of Pump Part of the wider east-west strategic Area 6, which is narrower to the north, at Lane separation between Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Birkenhead Road and to the south, at Frankby Wirral and Settlement Area 6 – Hoylake and Road Agricultural land use (pasture, horse grazing West Kirby (2.1km from Littlemore Close to and arable) Newton but the distance between Greasby Saughall Road and Pump Lane could and Newton is 1.3km). Also separates potentially form clear, strong boundaries to a Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid Greasby from Saughall Massie Village (and revised Green Belt Wirral Saughall Massie Conservation Area) (600m north-south) The impact on Saughall Massie Village 47.91 hectares Conservation Area could potentially be UDP Policy CH17 – Saughall Massie mitigated by retaining the existing open land Urban enclosure - 49% Conservation Area identifies principal to the north of Saughall Massie Road and/or planning objectives including the preservation additional landscaping along Saughall Massie SHLAA 3003 – 46.92ha of the rural setting, scale and character of the Road old village; and a separate and distinct Electoral Wards: settlement Option 1.1 – SP001 could, if needed, Greasby, Frankby and Irby potentially be proposed for release from Moreton West and Saughall Massie Greasby Brook and Arrowe Brook run through the Green Belt, with a capacity up to 682 Hoylake and Meols the parcel west to east and from the east to dwellings (45.49ha developable), subject the north and parts of the parcel may be at to appropriate design and boundary risk from flooding (3.26 ha) treatment and the protection of river corridors Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality Or and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the Option 1.2 – SP001 could, if needed, character area is ‘enhance and restore’. potentially be proposed for release from Further development which disrupts the flat the Green Belt as part of a wider package nature of the landscape could be detrimental alongside SP003, SP004 and SP005, with

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 3 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) to landscape character our without SHLAA 918, SHLAA 638 and SHLAA 741, with a capacity up to 682 Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% dwellings (45.49ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary The majority of the parcel forms part of the treatment and the protection of river larger Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area. corridors (89.5%) and may be supporting habitat Or The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Option 1.3 – SP001 with SP006A, to the Ecological Network east of the Greasby Brook, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for A public right of way (footpath) runs north to release from the Green Belt with a revised south across the parcel from Saughall Massie capacity of up to 878 dwellings (54.22ha Road to Stourport Close developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the Highway realignment along northern protection of river corridors boundary (Saughall Massie Road) has already taken place Additional public open space would need to be provided

Any future release would need to be subject to independent assessment of the role of the site as supporting habitat, flood risk, landscape impact and highway and transport capacity

SP002 – West of Saughall Massie Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6, at South of Hoylake Road, east of Heron Road, Part of wider strategic separation between the narrowest point between Moreton and north of Saughall Massie Road, west of Moreton/Saughall Massie and Meols (1km) Barn Hey Crescent along Hoylake Road Garden Hey Road (excluding Saughall and between Moreton/Saughall Massie and Massie Conservation Area) Hoylake/West Kirby ( approximately 2.5km) The majority of the parcel is not suitable for

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 4 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) release from the Green Belt. Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, Contains the major built complex at Carr arable, market gardens and horse related Farm, derelict nurseries along Garden Hey Garden Hey Road, Hoylake Road, Heron facilities) Road, holiday accommodation, fishing lake Road and Saughall Massie Road form strong, and caravan storage off Barnacre Lane and a clear boundaries, subject to decisions at Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- strategic Aircraft Beacon (central to the area) SHLAA 918, SHLAA 638 and SHLAA 741 and Wirral Saughall Massie Village (SP003) A small part of the parcel may be at risk from 117.25 hectares flooding (0.85 ha) SHLAA 918 (SP002A) and SHLAA 638 (SP002B) at Garden Hey Nursery form part of Urban enclosure - 27% Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland an existing built up frontage between 60 and Landscape Character Area, where the quality SHLAA 638 – 0.89ha (SP002B) 106 Garden Hey Road, which could and condition of the landscape is poor to SHLAA 741 – 0.93ha (SP002C) potentially have no greater impact on moderate and the landscape strategy for the SHLAA 742 – 7.78ha separation or open countryside SHLAA 918 – 0.17ha (SP002A) character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Further development which disrupts the flat SHLAA 741 (SP002C), directly adjacent to the Electoral Wards: nature of the landscape could be detrimental Saughall Massie Conservation Area, is also to landscape character Hoylake and Meols largely enclosed to the rear of 100-104 Moreton West and Saughall Massie Garden Hey Road, 124 Garden Hey Road Best and most versatile agricultural land – and Old Croft and, if brought forward 5.7% alongside SP003 and SP005, could also Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area potentially have no greater impact on – 0.5% (0.58 ha) of Priority Habitat - separation or open countryside, subject to any woodland impact on the setting of the Conservation Area Small parts of the parcel form part of the larger Frankby Fields (2.6%) and Gilroy Pond SHLAA 742, at the junction between and Hoylake Langfields (0.2%) WeBS Core Birkenhead Road and Heron Road, would Count areas and may be supporting habitat however form a discordant out-rigger of urban development to the east of Meols A public right of way (footpath) runs in a south easterly direction from Birkenhead Road, Option 2.1 - SP002A and SP002B at which is a dead end but in practice walkers Garden Hey Nursery could, if needed,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 5 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) user the track that links to Garden Hey Road potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with or without SP004 and UDP Policy CH17 – Saughall Massie SP005, with capacity up to 27 dwellings Conservation Area identifies principal (0.99ha developable), subject to planning objectives including the preservation appropriate design and boundary of the rural setting, scale and character of the treatment old village; and a separate and distinct settlement Or

Western boundary (Heron Road) may be Option 2.2 – SP002A and SP002B at subject to future road realignment (UDP Garden Hey Nursery and SP002C between Proposal TR5/1). Highway realignment along Green Hey Road and Barnacre Lane could, the southern boundary (Saughall Massie if needed, potentially be proposed for Road) has already taken place release from the Green Belt alongside SP003, SP004 and SP005, with or without SP001, with capacity up to 52 dwellings (1.92ha developable), subject to the impact on the conservation area and appropriate design and boundary treatment

Additional public open space would need to be provided

Any future release would need to be subject to independent assessment of landscape impact and highway and transport capacity

SP003 – Saughall Massie Conservation Green Belt since December 1983 The existing developed areas of the village Area could potentially be released from the Green Arrowe Brook runs along eastern boundary Belt with little impact on separation or the Rural conservation village around junction of and a small part of the parcel may be at risk open countryside but only alongside the West Kirby Road, Saughall Road, Garden from flooding (0.18 ha) release of SP004 and SP005 (with or without

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 6 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Hey Road and Barnacre Lane, including some SHLAA 714, SHLAA 638, SHLAA 918 and Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland remaining associated open land SP001) and subject to the ability to define an Landscape Character Area, where the quality appropriate revised Green Belt boundary to and condition of the landscape is poor to Agricultural land uses (horse grazing, pasture the south and west of the village moderate and the landscape strategy for the and horse related facilities) character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Option 3.1 – Retain SP003 in the Green Further development which disrupts the flat Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Belt (with or without SP004 and SP005; nature of the landscape could be detrimental Wirral SHLAA 638 and SHLAA 918; and SP001) to landscape character 10.80 hectares Or Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Urban enclosure - 23% Option 3.2 – Retain SP003 in the Green Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area Belt but, if needed, propose to identify a SHLAA 740 – 1.75ha (southern part only) – 1.3% (0.14 ha) of Priority Habitat - new Infill Village in the Green Belt, (which SHLAA 925 – 9.05ha (southern part only) woodland SHLAA 3007 – 0.71ha could include or exclude SHLAA 638, SHLAA 918 and SHLAA 741 in SP002), with A small part of the parcel forms part of the Electoral Wards: boundaries defined to the south and west larger Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area of the village to minimise the impact on Moreton West and Saughall Massie (15.9%) and may be supporting habitat the landscape and the character and UDP Policy CH17 – Saughall Massie appearance of the Conservation Area, with Conservation Area identifies principal or without SP004 and SP005 planning objectives including the preservation Conservation Area controls would remain of the rural setting, scale and character of the in place but limited infill development old village; and a separate and distinct could also be allowed within defined areas settlement of the village

Or

Option 3.3 – SP003 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt alongside SP004 and SP005 (with or without SHLAA 918, SHLAA 638

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 7 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and SHLAA 741 and SP001 )

Conservation Area controls would remain in place but the additional presumption against development in the Green Belt would be removed.

The boundaries to any new urban area would need to be redefined to the south and west of the village, to minimise the impact on the landscape and the Conservation Area.

Any future release would need to be subject to independent assessment of the role of the area as supporting habitat

SP004 – North of Saughall Massie Village Green Belt since December 1983 Largely enclosed by the urban area and by (east of Saughall Road) Saughall Massie Village, with no likely impact Outrigger of open land between the Acton on the open landscape to the west. North of Diamond Farm between Arrowe Lane/ Cambrian Road housing estate, Brook and Saughall Road (to immediate north Saughall Massie Village and Moreton (<200m Development to the east (SHLAA 639, of Saughall Massie Conservation Area) in places) SP004B) or west (SHLAA 925, SP004A) of Arrowe Brook would not reduce the Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Arrowe Brook runs along eastern boundary separation between Settlement Area 5 and and arable) and a small part of the parcel may be at risk Settlement Area 6. from flooding (1.21 ha) Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- SHLAA 639 (SP004B), to the rear of Wirral Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland Meadowbrook Road, could potentially have Landscape Character Area, where the quality little impact on open countryside but has 8.98 hectares and condition of the landscape is poor to limited access and is subject to flood risk moderate and the landscape strategy for the Urban enclosure - 80% character area is ‘enhance and restore’. SHLAA 925 (SP004A) could have a limited

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 8 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SHLAA 639 – 0.14ha (SP004B) Further development which disrupts the flat impact on the open countryside but could SHLAA 925 – 9.05ha (SP004A) nature of the landscape could be detrimental have an impact on the setting of Saughall to landscape character Massie Conservation Area, further enclosing it Electoral Wards: from the north, which could only potentially be Moreton West and Saughall Massie The parcel is part of the nature improvement mitigated by design and layout and/or the area identified in the LCR Ecological Network provision of public open space but would also have implications for the future of SP004B. Best and most versatile agricultural land – 88.7% Saughall Road and Diamond Farm could potentially form a strong, clear boundary to a UDP Policy CH17 – Saughall Massie revised Green Belt Conservation Area identifies principal planning objectives including the preservation Option 4.1 – SP004A and SP004B could, if of the rural setting, scale and character of the needed, potentially be proposed for old village; and a separate and distinct release from the Green Belt, with or settlement without SP005, SP003 and SHLAA 918, SHLAA 638 and SHLAA 741, with capacity The Conservation Area boundary crosses the of up to 193 dwellings (8.56ha south of the remaining open area but does not developable), subject to the impact on the follow any clear physical feature on the Conservation Area, protection of ground hedgerows and the river corridor

Additional public open space would need to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and on highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP005 – North of Saughall Massie Village Green Belt since December 1983 Small gap, largely enclosed by existing (east of Garden Hey Road) development between the urban area and No strategic separation function but separates Saughall Massie Village, which would not

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 9 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Saughall Massie Conservation Area from the reduce the separation between Settlement Small area of land between Garden Hey Road Acton Lane/ Cambrian Road housing estate Area 5 and Settlement Area 6. Saughall Road (to immediate north of (approximately 150m) Saughall Massie Conservation Area) Only potentially suitable for release from the Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland Green Belt with SP004, to provide an Agricultural land uses (pasture) Landscape Character Area, where the quality appropriate revised Green Belt boundary Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- and condition of the landscape is poor to Limited impact on open countryside but could Wirral moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance and restore’. have an impact on the setting of Saughall 1.40 hectares Further development which disrupts the flat Massie Conservation Area, further enclosing it nature of the landscape could be detrimental from the north, which could only potentially be Urban enclosure - 24% to landscape character mitigated by design and layout and/or the provision of public open space SHLAA 740 – 1.75ha (SP005A) Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Garden Hey Road and Diamond Farm could Electoral Wards: UDP Policy CH17 – Saughall Massie potentially form a strong, clear boundary to a Conservation Area identifies principal revised Green Belt, subject to decisions at Moreton West and Saughall Massie planning objectives including the preservation Saughall Massie Village (SP003) of the rural setting, scale and character of the old village; and a separate and distinct Option 5.1 – SP005A could, if needed, settlement potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt alongside SP004A, with or The Conservation Area boundary crosses the without SP003 and SHLAA 918, SHLAA south of the remaining open area but does not 638 and SHLAA 741, with capacity of up to follow any clear physical feature on the 47 dwellings (1.74ha developable), subject ground to the impact on the Conservation Area, the protection of hedgerows and the impact on highway and transport capacity

Additional public open space would need to be provided

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 10 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP006 – North of Frankby Road Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6, at Land to south of Saughall Massie Road, east Provides essential strategic separation the narrowest point between Greasby, of China Farm Lane, north of Frankby Road between West Kirby (Newton) and Greasby Frankby and Newton and west of Pump Lane, Greasby (excluding (approximately 1km), the separation between Frankby Conservation Area) West Kirby (Newton) and Frankby Village Only sub-Parcel SP006A, to the east of (700m) and the separation between Greasby Greasby Brook, which could potentially Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, and Frankby Village (200m) provide an appropriate revised Green Belt and horse related facilities) boundary, could also have potential for Contains major built complex at Larton Hey release with no further impact on the Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Farm, garden nurseries and place of worship separation with Settlement Area 6 but only Wirral and (east of) Settlement Area 6 – at Greasby Bridge, Newton Hall Farm, China alongside SP001, although this sub-Parcel is Hoylake and West Kirby Plate Farm and Hillcroft Poultry Farm and the less enclosed could have a more significant site of former (now reclaimed) RAF Camp visual impact. 153.44 hectares Newton Brook runs west to east across the Option 6.1 – Sub-Parcel SP006A could, if Urban enclosure - 30% middle of the parcel. Greasby Brook runs needed, potentially be proposed for north along the eastern boundary and across release from the Green Belt alongside Electoral Wards: the north east corner and Arrowe Brook runs SP001, with capacity up to 196 dwellings along eastern boundary and a significant part (8.73ha developable), subject to West Kirby and Thurstaston of the parcel may be at risk from flooding appropriate design and boundary Greasby, Frankby and Irby (11.05 ha) treatment and the protection of the river corridor The northern section of the parcel is part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland Landscape Additional public open space would need Character Area, where the quality and to be provided condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the Any future release would need to be character area is ‘enhance and restore’. subject to independent assessment of the Further development which disrupts the flat role of the site as supporting habitat, flood nature of the landscape could be detrimental risk, landscape impact in an otherwise to landscape character open and flat landscape and highway and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 11 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) transport capacity The southern section of the parcel is part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 19.3% (29.59 ha), which includes the Former RAF Camp Site of Biological Importance (No. B72); Manor Farm Site of Biological Importance (No.B77); and Priority Habitat - woodland, grassland and wetland

The majority of the parcel forms part of the larger Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area (99.4%) and smaller parts of the larger Gilroy Pond and Hoylake Langfields (0.07%) and Caldy Fields (0.06%) WeBS Core Count areas and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 12 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Ecological Network

Public rights of way (footpaths) run: south east from China Farm Lane to Frankby Road; north to south from Saughall Massie Road to Frankby Road; and east to west across the northern part of the parcel from Pump Lane to Saughall Massie Road

UDP Policy CH12 – Frankby Village Conservation Area identifies principal planning objectives including retaining the character and appearance of an historic rural village, preserving a separate and distinct settlement form and preserving the rural character of former farm buildings

SP007 – North of Hillbark Road Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 and Land to south of Frankby Road, north and Forms part of strategic separation between between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement east of Hillbark Road and west of Mill Lane West Kirby (Newton) and Greasby (1.3km) Area 7, at the narrowest points between (excluding Frankby Conservation Area) and between Greasby and Irby (1.2km) and Greasby, Frankby and Newton and between the separation between Greasby and Frankby Greasby and Irby Agricultural land uses (horse grazing and Village (200m) horse related facilities) Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Contains two public houses, an area of because of the impact on openness and Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- development off Hillbark Road and an areas separation Wirral of ribbon development along Mill Lane SHLAA 1781 would form a discordant out- 44.84 hectares Greasby Brook runs south to north across the rigger of urban development to the south of parcel and along the eastern boundary and a Greasby Urban enclosure - 34% small part of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (0.18 ha)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 13 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SHLAA 1781 – 19.95ha Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, Electoral Wards: where the quality and condition of the Greasby, Frankby and Irby landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 22.6%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 6.7% (2.99 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

A small part of the parcel forms part of the larger Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area (0.02%) and may be supporting habitat

Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

UDP Policy CH12 – Frankby Village Conservation Area identifies principal planning objectives including retaining the character and appearance of an historic rural village, preserving a separate and distinct

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 14 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) settlement form and preserving the rural character of former farm buildings

SP008 – North of Montgomery Hill Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 at Land to south of Frankby Road, west of Part of wider strategic separation between the narrowest point between Greasby, Hillbark Road, north of Montgomery Hill and West Kirby (Newton) and Greasby (1.4km), Frankby and Newton and between Settlement east of Telegraph Road and Grange Cross between West Kirby (Newton) and Irby Area 6 and Settlement Area 7 Lane (approximately 2km) and the separation between and the separation between West Only sub-parcels to the west of Newton Brook Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse Kirby (Newton) and Frankby Village (1.2km) along Grange Cross Lane, to the west of grazing) Newton Brook and to rear of 73-75 Column Contains Frankby Cemetery, small ribbon Road (SP008A, 10.56ha), could potentially be Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 6 – development at Baytree Road, Newton Park suitable for release from the Green Belt, Hoylake and West Kirby (Grange Cross Lane), Newton Allotments because of their limited impact on separation (Newton Park Road) and a larger collection of or open countryside but as no strong 89.37 hectares buildings at Torpenhow (Montomery Hill) boundary is evident and the majority of these sites are in active recreational use (Newton Urban enclosure - 27% Newton Brook runs north, to the east of the Park, 3.62ha; Newton Allotments, 1.44ha), the western boundary remaining sites would appear as discordant SHLAA 927 – 13.15ha outriggers of development within the Green Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Belt. Electoral Wards: Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, West Kirby and Thurstaston where the quality and condition of the SHLAA 927 would also form a discordant out- Greasby, Frankby and Irby landscape is good and the landscape strategy rigger of urban development to the west of for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Newton Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 15 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 35.0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 8.1% (7.26 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland.

All of the parcel to the west of Frankby Cemetery is in the Caldy Fields WeBS Core Count area (78.1%) and a small area of the parcel is also in the Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area (0.2%) and may be supporting habitat and part of the Parcel now falls within the new Frankby Cemetery Site of Biological Importance (16%, No. 79).

Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Public rights of way (footpaths) run south east from Frankby Road to Montgomery Hill along the edge of Frankby Cemetery and east to west from Montgomery Hill to Grange Cross Lane.

SP009 – Royden Country Park and Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Thurstaston Common Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 and Part of wider strategic separation between between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Land to south of Hillbark Road and Caldy and Greasby (1.7km), between Area 7, at the narrowest points between Montgomery Hill, east of Telegraph Road and Greasby and Irby (1.1km) and between Irby Greasby and Irby and between Caldy and Irby west of Mill Hill Road, Sandy Lane and and Caldy (1.4km) The majority of the parcel is not suitable for

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 16 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Thurstaston Road, Irby release from the Green Belt because of the Contains a major strategic countryside impact on openness and separation recreation facility and Local Nature Reserve, Strategic countryside recreation facility including Irby Quarry, Irby Common and SHLAA 1760, 1761, 1762, 1763 and 1790 Calday Rugby Club sports ground (Telegraph Agricultural land uses including (pasture, would introduce isolated or discordant Road), Benty Farm, small areas of ribbon horse grazing and arable) development in the Green Belt development at Thurstaston Road/School Lane and Dawpool Primary School. Adjacent to (north and west of) Settlement SHLAA 1776 (with or without SHLAA 1774 in Area 7 – Heswall SP011 adjacent) would visibly reduce the Identified as an Area of Special Landscape already narrow separation between Irby and Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2) 181.56 hectares Greasby, to the north of Irby and no strong boundary would appear to be apparent to the Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Urban enclosure - 13% north Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, SHLAA 1760 – 0.96ha where the quality and condition of the While Sandy Lane is an existing clear SHLAA 1761 – 1.11ha landscape is good and the landscape strategy boundary, SP009B (which includes SHLAA SHLAA 1762 – 0.20ha for the character area is ‘conserve’. New 1778, SP009A) to the west of Irby, this sub- SHLAA 1763 – 1.50ha Development should conserve the existing Parcel is enclosed between Sandy Lane and SHLAA 1776 – 4.03ha field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows Thurstaston Common woodland and could SHLAA 1778 – 3.47ha (SP009A) and be set within mature wooded framework have a more limited practical impact on the SHLAA 1790 – 0.10ha and ensure that when viewed from high perceived separation between Irby and Caldy Electoral Wards: ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost Option 9.1 – Sub-Parcel SP009B could, if West Kirby and Thurstaston completely wooded Greasby, Frankby and Irby needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt with capacity Best and most versatile agricultural land – up to 92 dwellings (4.09ha developable), 21.4% subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area the woodland and river corridor along (69.2% - 125.58 ha), which includes Greasby Brook Thurstaston Common Site of Special Scientific Interest; Thurstaston Common Local The impact of the loss of best and most Nature Reserve; Thurstaston Common Local versatile agricultural land and on highway Geological Site (No. 8); Irby Quarry Local

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 17 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Geological Site (No. 3); Irby Quarry Site of and transport capacity would require Biological Importance (No. B9); Royden Park independent appraisal before release Site of Biological Importance (No. B13) and Priority Habitat – woodland, heath and grassland

A small area of the parcel is in the Caldy Fields WeBS Core Count area (0.2%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network A network of Public Rights of Way (footpaths) run throughout the parcel connecting Montgomery Hill, Hillbark Road, Mill Hill Road, Sandy Lane, Thurstaston Road and Telegraph Road and a public bridlepath links Sandy Lane and Sandy Lane North

SP010 – North of Arrowe Brook Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 7 at Land to north of Arrowe Brook Lane, east of Part of wider separation between Greasby the narrowest point between Greasby and Mill Lane and south west of Arrowe Road and Irby (1.1km) and between Greasby and Irby Woodchurch (1.5km), part of which forms part Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 5 – of a prominent open hillside Only the more enclosed sub-Parcel SP010A Mid Wirral (former SHLAA 879, now part of the larger Contains Greenhouse Farm and Arrowe SHLAA 1959, SP010B) to the rear of Rigby Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse Brook Farm and small area of sparse Drive could have potential for release with a grazing) development towards Mill Lane, to the west of limited impact on separation, although the site Greasby Brook which runs north across the would be viewed as part of a rising hillside 64.24 hectares south west corner of the parcel from the surrounding area and no strong

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 18 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) southern boundary would appear to be Urban enclosure - 48% Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park apparent. Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, (SHLAA 879 – 23.73ha, SP010A) where the quality and condition of the Option 10.1 – Sub-Parcel SP010A could, if SHLAA 1959 – 42.86ha (SP010B) landscape is good and the landscape strategy needed, potentially be proposed for for the character area is ‘conserve’. New release from the Green Belt with capacity Electoral Wards: Development should conserve the existing up to 311 dwellings (20.70ha developable), field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows Greasby, Frankby and Irby subject to appropriate design and and be set within mature wooded framework boundary treatment and the protection of and ensure that when viewed from high Greasby Copse and Ponds ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost Additional public open space will need to completely wooded be provided in areas not within 400m of Arrowe Park Best and most versatile agricultural land – 66.1% The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, the visual and Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area landscape impact from Arrowe Road and – 4.8% (3.1 ha), which includes Greasby Arrowe Brook Lane and highway and Copse and Ponds Site of Biological transport capacity would require Importance (No. B39); and Priority Habitat – independent appraisal before release woodland

SP011 – North of Irby Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 7 at Land to the west of Mill Hill Road, south of Part of wider strategic separation between the narrowest point between Greasby and Arrowe Brook Lane and west of Limbo Lane Greasby and Irby (1.1km) Irby (footpath), to north of Heathbank Avenue Contains Redstones Farm, Irby Hill Farm and Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Adjacent to (north of) Settlement Area 7 – Irby Cricket Club sports ground because of the impact on openness and Heswall separation A tributary to Arrowe Brook and a public right Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, of way (bridlepath) runs along eastern SHLAA 1774 (with or without SHLAA 1776 in boundary and a small part of the parcel may SP009 adjacent) would visibly reduce the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 19 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) arable and horse related facilities) be at risk from flooding 0.05 ha already narrow separation between Irby and Greasby, to the north of Irby and no strong 43.50 hectares Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park boundary would appear to be apparent to the Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, north Urban enclosure - 33% where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy SHLAA 1774 – 8.16ha for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing Electoral Wards: field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows Greasby, Frankby and Irby and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 46.1%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 1.6% (0.69 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

SP012 – Pikes Hey Road Green Belt since December 1983 Existing built up area, which is already joined to the urban area at Caldy Road, that could Built up areas around junction of Telegraph Over-washed area of modern development, potentially be released from the Green Belt Road, Column Road, Caldy Road and mainly comprising houses in larger grounds. with no impact on separation or open Montgomery Hill Part of wider strategic separation between countryside Caldy and Irby (1.4km) and between Caldy Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 6 – and Greasby (1.7km) Option 12.1 – SP012 could, if needed, Hoylake and West Kirby potentially be proposed for release from Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park the Green Belt, with or without SP013 10.53 hectares Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the Conservation Area controls would remain

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 20 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) landscape is good and the landscape strategy in place, in line with the rest o f the Urban enclosure - 10% for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Conservation Area to the west but the Electoral Wards: Development should conserve the existing additional presumption against field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows development in the Green Belt would be West Kirby and Thurstaston and be set within mature wooded framework removed and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the Or impression of the character area being almost completely wooded Option 12.2 – Retain SP012 in the Green Belt, with or without SP013 but, if needed, Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% propose to identify a new Infill Village in the Green Belt Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 14.5% (1.53 ha) of Priority Habitat – Conservation Area controls would remain woodland in place, in line with the rest of the Conservation Area to the west and infill Small areas of the parcel are also in the Caldy development would only be allowed within Fields (0.2%) and Thurstaston Fields (0.06%) defined areas WeBS Core Count areas and may be supporting habitat

Properties at 160 to 164 Caldy Road, East Farm Mews and 469 Telegraph Road, to the north west of the parcel are included within Caldy Conservation Area

UDP Policy CH11 – Caldy Conservation Area, identifies principal planning objectives including retaining the low density character of substantial suburban houses in maturely landscaped large grounds with strongly enclosed boundary treatment and preserving views of the Dee Estuary and of the North

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 21 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Wales coast beyond

SP013 – West of Column Road, West Kirby Green Belt since December 1983 Woodland and fields enclosed by the existing urban areas at Caldy and Newton Land to the west of Column Road, (to Out-rigger of open land, on a prominent open immediate north east of Caldy Conservation hillside between the established built up areas Column Road and the rear of East Farm Area) of West Kirby and Caldy. No strategic Mews, subject to any decision about SP012 separation function but separates Caldy adjacent, could potentially form a strong, clear Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 6 – Conservation Area from the more densely boundary to a revised Green Belt, with limited Hoylake and West Kirby built up areas of West Kirby (typically <500m) impact on the open countryside to the west and would not reduce the separation between Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse Stapledon Wood, on the upper slopes, forms Settlement Area 6 and Settlement Area 5 or grazing) part of the wider linked network of publicly between Settlement Area 6 and Settlement accessible open space at Caldy Hill (UDP Area 7 36.15 hectares Urban Greenspace GR2/207) and Newton Common (Urban Greenspace GR2/192) Only the lower fields adjacent to Telegraph Urban enclosure - 79% Road (SP013A, 19.15ha) would, however, be Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park potentially appropriate for development, SHLAA 1944 – 10.18ha Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, subject to any impact on the Conservation SHLAA 1983 – 1.43ha where the quality and condition of the Area, with Stapeldon Wood (UDP Proposal landscape is good and the landscape strategy NC6/4, 16.34ha) retained as Urban Electoral Wards: for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Greenspace alongside the other open spaces Development should conserve the existing associated with Caldy Hill West Kirby and Thurstaston field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework SHLAA 1944 and SHLAA 1983 would, and ensure that when viewed from high however, on their own, introduce discordant ground it contributes to and maintains the urban development to the east of Stapeldon impression of the character area being almost Wood and additional urban development in completely wooded the open countryside along Column Road.

Best and most versatile agricultural land – Option 13.1 – SP013 could, if needed, 27.1% potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with or without SP012, with

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 22 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) a capacity up to 267 units (1 7.78 ha Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area developable), subject to appropriate – 49.4% (17.85 ha), which includes Caldy Hill boundary treatment, the continued Site of Biological Importance (No. 3); protection of Stapeldon Wood and the Stapleton Wood Site of Biological Importance impact on Caldy Conservation Area (No. 4); and Priority Habitat – woodland The parcel is also part of the nature The impact of the loss of best and most improvement area identified in the LCR versatile agricultural land, the visual and Ecological Network landscape impact from Column Road and Thurstaston Hill and highway and Public rights of way (footpaths) run north transport capacity would require south from Column Road to Caldy Road and independent appraisal before release from this footpath north east to Fleck Lane. A public bridlepath also runs north south from Column Road to Kings Drive Caldy Conservation Area runs immediately adjacent to the whole of the southern boundary. UDP Policy CH11 – Caldy Conservation Area, identifies principal planning objectives including retaining the low density character of substantial suburban houses in maturely landscaped large grounds with strongly enclosed boundary treatment and preserving views of the Dee Estuary and of the North Wales coast beyond

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP014 – West of China Farm Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the wider separation between Settlement Area 6 and Settlement Area 5, Land to south of Saughall Massie Road, west Part of the wider strategic separation between although development would extend no of China Farm Lane, to north of Fulton West Kirby and Hoylake (typically above

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 23 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Avenue/ Farndon Drive 1.7km) further west than the existing separation between Newton and Greasby, to the south Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse Newton Brook runs north across the middle of grazing) the parcel Not suitable for release from the Green Belt because of the impact on openness, as Adjacent to (north of) Settlement Area 6 – Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland development in this parcel would form a Hoylake and West Kirby Landscape Character Area, where the quality discordant out-rigger of urban development to and condition of the landscape is poor to north west of West Kirby (Newton), even 19.88 hectares moderate and the landscape strategy for the though Saughall Massie Road and China character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Farm Lane could potentially form clear, strong Urban enclosure - 41% Further development which disrupts the flat boundaries to a revised Green Belt nature of the landscape could be detrimental SHLAA 1965 – 19.49ha to landscape character

Electoral Wards: Best and most versatile agricultural land – 68.1% West Kirby and Thurstaston Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 0.6% (0.13 ha) of Priority Habitat - woodland

The majority of the parcel is in the Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area (97.2%) and may be supporting habitat. A smaller area on the northern edge of the parcel is also in the Gilroy Pond and Hoylake Langfields WeBS Core Count area (0.8%)

The northern boundary (Saughall Massie Road) may be subject to future road realignment (UDP Proposal TR5/1)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 24 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP015 – Upper Birket Valley Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the wide expanse of open land between West Kirby and Hoylake and Meols Land to the south and west of the Liverpool to Large expansive area of low-lying land and the wider separation between Settlement West Kirby railway line, north of Greenbank associated with the upper Birket Valley, criss- Area 6 and Settlement Area 5 Road and Saughall Massie Road, west of crossed by its associated tributaries Heron Road The majority of the parcel is not suitable for Part of the strategic separation between release from the Green Belt because of the Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, Hoylake and West Kirby (typically between impact on openness in an otherwise flat and arable and horse related facilities) 900m and 1.6km) and between Hoylake and open landscape, within which few strong Moreton and between Hoylake and Greasby boundaries can be identified Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 6 – (typically between 2.7km to 1.9km) Hoylake and West Kirby The majority of the northern areas between Contains larger complexes of built the existing urban areas at Carr Lane in 428.16 hectares development at Oldfield Manor Farm, Three Hoylake and Fornall’s Green Lane in Meols, Lanes End Farm, Long Rake and Rake including SHLAA 904, SHLAA 1933, SHLAA Urban enclosure - 65% House Farm and the West Kirby Household 1935 and SHLAA 1936, which could SHLAA 627 – 3.15ha Waste Reception Centre and includes potentially be served by the railway stations at SHLAA 904 – 8.69ha Hoylake Municipal Golf Course and sports Manor Road and Meols, are also at risk of SHLAA 929 – 0.28ha (SP015A) grounds at the urban edge at Greenbank flooding SHLAA 1933 – 2.12ha Road (West Kirby), Melrose Avenue SHLAA 1934 – 0.45ha (Hoylake) and Acres Road (Meols) SHLAA 1934, which together with ‘The SHLAA 1935 – 1.62ha Orchard’ and 64 Fornall’s Green Lane, would SHLAA 1936 – 17.38ha Excludes larger areas of development at Carr complete the otherwise built-up frontage SHLAA 1937 – 4.58ha Lane Industrial Estate (Hoylake) and at Birch along Fornall’s Green Lane, is also at risk of SHLAA 1943 – 22.67ha Road/Rycroft Road and Fornalls Green Lane flooding (Meols) Electoral Wards: Only the small site at SP015A (SHLAA 929), West Kirby and Thurstaston A significant part of the parcel may be at risk which would complete the short existing built Hoylake and Meols from flooding (121.61 ha) frontage between Acres Road Playing Field and 15 Acres Road opposite Fieldway, would Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland therefore be potentially suitable for release for Landscape Character Area, where the quality development, without significantly extending and condition of the landscape is poor to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 25 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) moderate and the landscape strategy for the the urban area to the south or west character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Further development which disrupts the flat SHLAA 627 at Carr Lane, Hoylake, which has nature of the landscape could be detrimental already been the subject of dismissed to landscape character appeals; SHLAA 1933, SHLAA 1935 and SHLAA 1936 to the west of Fornall’s Green Best and most versatile agricultural land – Lane and The Ridgeway; SHLAA 1937, to the 16.6% east of Hoylake RUFC; and SHLAA 1943, to the north of Gilroy Road, would, on their own, Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - form discordant intrusions of urban 8.4% (36.01 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland development in an otherwise flat and open landscape. A significant part of the parcel is in the Gilroy Pond and Hoylake Langfields WeBS Core Option 15.1 - SP015A could, if needed, Count area (68.2%), with a smaller part in the potentially be proposed for release from Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count area the Green Belt, with a capacity up to 4 (0.05%) and may be supporting habitat. units (0.25ha developable), to reflect surrounding densities, subject to Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature appropriate layout and boundary improvement area identified in the LCR treatment, to complete the frontage to Ecological Network Acres Road A network of Public Rights of Way (footpaths) run across the parcel, in a generally north to south direction, connecting Frankby Road and Acres Lane with Oldfield Lane and Saughall Massie Road; Carr Lane with Saughall Massie Road and Gilroy Road; and Carr Lane (Hoylake Railway Station) and Greenbank Road. The route from Hoylake Railway Station to Greenbank Road is also a permissive cyclepath and forms part of the Wirral Circular Trail

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 26 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

There is poor vehicular access across the majority of this parcel

Eastern (Heron Road) and southern boundaries (Saughall Massie Road) may be subject to future road realignment (UDP Proposal TR5/1)

The majority of the parcel is identified as part of an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/3)

SP016 – Royal Liverpool Golf Course Green Belt since December 1983 Already largely enclosed by the surrounding urban areas at Stanley Road, Meols Drive Land to the west of Meols Drive, between Part of strategic separation between Hoylake and West Kirby, with no real link to the Green Stanley Road (Hoylake) and Lingdale Road and West Kirby (between 1.3km and 0.9km Belt or landscape to the west in SP015 (West Kirby) reducing to <600m along Meols Drive) The majority of the remaining open area, International Championship Golf Course Linked to main Green Belt on opposite side of beside the strip of public open space along Liverpool to West Kirby railway line across the the undeveloped coastline, is now owned by Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 6 – residential properties at 51-63 and 60-64 the Golf Course, which could be protected as Hoylake and West Kirby Meols Drive (150m gap) Urban Greenspace

81.21 hectares The parcel is identified as part of the Coastal The Liverpool to West Kirby railway line, to Zone in the UDP and the coastline to the west the rear of 51-63 Meols Drive, could Urban enclosure - 68% is of national and international significance potentially form a strong, clear boundary to a revised Green Belt, with no impact on the Electoral Wards: A small part of the parcel along the western open countryside to the west or the Hoylake and Meols edge may be at risk from flooding (2.76 ha) separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 Part of the North Wirral Shore Landscape Character Area, where the quality and A revised boundary could also take account of condition of the landscape is good and the more recent development at Leas Park, on a

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 27 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) landscape strategy for the character area is former previously developed site in the Green ‘conserve’. This is an open exposed Belt landscape with few trees and built development although often frequent is Option 16.1 – SP016 and the existing contained and maintains a sense of residential properties between 60 and 80 separation. Any development should maintain and 51 to 63 Meols Drive, including 1 to 16 the open exposed character with minimal Leas Park and 1 Winnington Road could, if trees or woodland planting needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with the Golf Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Course (63.07ha) and the remaining open land along the undeveloped coastline Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area (5.34ha) protected as Urban Greenspace – 88.1% (71.54 ha), which includes the Dee Estuary Special Area of Conservation; Dee Estuary Special Protection Area; Dee Estuary Ramsar Site; Dee Estuary Special Site of Scientific Interest; Red Rocks Special Site of Scientific Interest; Royal Liverpool Golf Course Site of Biological Importance (No. 1); and Priority Habitat – coastal, wetland, grassland, heath and woodland

Part of the parcel is in the West Kirby Beach WeBS Core Count area (8.64%) and may be supporting habitat The majority of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network Public rights of way (footpaths) run east west across the southern part of the parcel from Meols Drive to the foreshore and from Stanley

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 28 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Road to Meols Drive to the east SP017 – North of Birkenhead Road Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 at Land to the south of the Liverpool to West Part of essential strategic separation between the narrowest point between Moreton and Kirby railway line, between Birch Road/ Moreton and Meols (approximately 900m) Meols Rycroft Road and Carr Lane, to the north of Birkenhead Road Includes some smaller areas of development The majority of the parcel is not suitable for at Greenfields and Car Hall Farm but release from the Green Belt, because of the Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse excludes the existing larger area of impact on separation and openness, the grazing) development at Barn Hey Crescent and absence of strong boundaries and the risk of contains the Carr Lane (North Wirral) flooding Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Brickworks, identified as a Mineral Reserve Wirral and (east of) Settlement Area 6 – on the UDP (32.9 ha) SHLAA 1950 would also form a discordant Hoylake and West Kirby out-rigger of urban development to west of The Birket runs north across the western part Moreton 70.47 hectares of the parcel and a significant part of the parcel may be subject to flooding (45.98 ha) SHLAA 1977, between the existing urban Urban enclosure - 50% areas at Derwent Road and Barn Hey SHLAA 1818 – 1.01ha Part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland Crescent, which would have no impact the on SHLAA 1950 – 26.48ha Landscape Character Area, where the quality east-west separation with Moreton, is subject SHLAA 1977 – 4.45ha and condition of the landscape is poor to to risk of flooding and no strong boundary is moderate and the landscape strategy for the evident to the east Electoral Wards: character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Hoylake and Meols Further development which disrupts the flat SHLAA 1818, between Barn Hey Crescent Moreton West and Saughall Massie nature of the landscape could be detrimental and Birkenhead Road, which could potentially to landscape character be suitable for release, with a limited impact on separation and openness, is also subject Best and most versatile agricultural land – to risk of flooding 13.19%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 7.7% (5.41 ha), which includes Meols Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 29 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) (part); and Priority Habitat – wetland, grassland and woodland

The parcel includes parts of the Moreton Brick Pit WeBS Core Count area (27.4%) and the Meols Railway Station Pond WeBS Core Count area (1.5%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

The majority of the parcel is identified as part of an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/2)

SP018 – Moreton Coastal Plain Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 at Land to the north of the Liverpool to West Part of the essential strategic separation the narrowest point between Moreton and Kirby railway line between Bennets Lane between Leasowe and Meols (2.4km), Meols (Meols) and Pasture Road (Moreton) between Moreton and Meols (0.9km) and between Moreton and the coast (0.9km) The Liverpool to West Kirby railway line forms Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, a clear strong boundary to the south arable and horse related facilities) Contains part of the major strategic coastal recreation facilities associated with the North The majority of the parcel is not suitable for Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Wirral Coastal Park and Includes caravan release from the Green Belt, because of the Wirral and (east of) Settlement Area 6 – sites at Park Lane (Meols), larger areas of impact on openness and separation and the Hoylake and West Kirby development at the North Wirral Waste Water risk of flooding. The parcel may also Treatment Works and at Lingham Farm, comprise supporting habitat for the 204.28 hectares ribbon development along Pasture Road and internationally designated coastline to the the golf facility at Tarran Way north Urban enclosure - 52%

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 30 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SHLAA 537 – 2.05ha There is poor vehicular access to the majority SHLAA 537 and SHLAA 538 would also SHLAA 538 – 0.23ha of this parcel introduce isolated and discordant new SHLAA 1976 – 7.04ha development into an otherwise flat and open Electoral Wards: The Birket and Arrowe Brook run west to east landscape across the middle of the parcel and large Hoylake and Meols parts of the parcel may be at risk from The existing boundary to the Green Belt to the Moreton West and Saughall Massie flooding (168.56 ha) west of Tarran Industrial Estate, to the north and west of 26 Tarran Way West (SP018C, The coastline to the north is of national and 0.21ha); and to the south and east of the Golf international significance and part of the Driving Range, at Tarran Way South parcel is identified as part of the Coastal Zone (SP018D, 0.49ha); does not however appear in the UDP to accurately follow the existing pattern of development The majority of the parcel forms part of the Birket Floodplain Farmland Landscape Only part of SHLAA 1976, between Cleveley Character Area, where the quality and Road and the railway, would have no impact condition of the landscape is poor to on the east-west separation with Moreton but moderate and the landscape strategy for the is crossed by the River Birket, subject to risk character area is ‘enhance and restore’. of flooding, may be supporting habitat and no Further development which disrupts the flat strong boundary is evident to the east nature of the landscape could be detrimental to landscape character Option 18.1 – A sliver of land to the north and west of 26 Tarran Way West (SP018C) A smaller area along the northern edge of the could be proposed for release from the parcel is part of the North Wirral Shore Green Belt as a boundary correction to the Landscape Character Area, where the quality Green Belt, to better reflect the existing and condition of the landscape is good and pattern of development the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. This is an open exposed Option 18.2 - The boundary to the Green landscape with few trees and built Belt at the entrance to the Golf Driving development although often frequent is Range, at Tarran Way South (SP018D), contained and maintains a sense of could be re-defined, as a boundary separation. Any development should maintain correction to the Green Belt, to better

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 31 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the open exposed character with minimal reflect the existing pattern of development trees or woodland planting

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 38.60%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 28.7% (58.62 ha), which includes Meols Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (part); Leasowe Common Site of Biological Importance (No. 66); Meols Fields Site of Biological Importance (No. 67), which has recently been extended by 13%; Pasture Farm Ponds Site of Biological Importance (No. 68); and Priority Habitat – grassland, wetland and woodland

A significant part of the parcel is in the Meols and Leasowe Lighthouse Fields WeBS Core Count area (63.0%) and smaller areas of the parcel are also in the Hoylake (2.4%) and Leasowe Bay and Islands (0.01%) WeBS Core Count area and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Public rights of way (footpaths) run north along Lingham Lane to North Wirral Coastal Park and then east to Park Lane and north west from Pasture Road to North Wirral

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 32 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Coastal Park and a public bridlepath also runs east to west through North Wirral Coastal Park from Leasowe Road to Park Lane

The majority of the parcel is identified as part of an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/2)

SP019 – West of Arrowe Park Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 7 at Land to the south of Arrowe Brook Lane and Part of the wider strategic separation between the narrowest point between Greasby and to the east of Limbo Lane (footpath), north of Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 7 Irby Thingwall Road and west of Arrowe Park (between 1.2km and 1.6km) The majority of the parcel is not suitable for Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Contains the collection of buildings at release from the Green Belt because of the Arrowebrook Farm impact on openness and separation Adjacent to (north of) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and south of Settlement Area 5 – Arrowe Brook runs north and south along the SHLAA 1952 (SP019B), to the south of Mid-Wirral western boundary and across the middle of Arrowe Brook, east of Irby could, however, the parcel from west to east between Limbo potentially be released without significant 100.79 hectares Lane and Arrowe Park and part of the parcel impact on the separation between Irby and may be at risk from flooding (1.80 ha) Greasby or between Irby, Thingwall and Urban enclosure - 27% Woodchurch, subject to the protection of the Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park river corridor, the woodland along Glenwood SHLAA 1952 – 40.02ha (SP019B) Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, Drive and other existing landscape features where the quality and condition of the such as woodlands and ponds and public Electoral Wards: landscape is good and the landscape strategy rights of way Greasby, Frankby and Irby for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing Public open space could potentially be field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows provided by providing access to Arrowe Park and be set within mature wooded framework to the immediate west and ensure that when viewed from high

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 33 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) ground it contributes to and maintains the Option 19.1 – SP019B could, if needed, impression of the character area being almost potentially be proposed for release from completely wooded the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 524 dwellings (34.91ha developable), subject Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% to appropriate design and boundary Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area treatment, the protection of woodlands, (8.3% - 8.38 ha), which includes Limbo Lane ponds and rights of way and the provision Ponds Site of Biological Importance (No. 37); of access to Arrowe Park to the west Arrowe Brook Farm Ponds Site of Biological The visual and landscape impact from Importance (No. 38); Arrowe Park Site of Thingwall Road and Arrowe Brook Lane Biological Importance (No.36); and Priority and highway and transport capacity would Habitat – woodland and wetland require independent appraisal before The parcel is also part of the nature release improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

The parcel is bisected north to south and east to west by a network of public and permissive rights of way

Public rights of way (footpaths) run along the north eastern edge of the parcel from Arrowe Brook Lane until it crosses into Arrowe Park and across the parcel from Arrowe Brook Road to the footpath running along the eastern boundary. A public bridlepath also runs north to south along western boundary from Arrowe Brook Road to Thingwall Road

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 34 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP020 – Arrowe Park Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 7 at Land to the west of Arrowe Park Road Part of the wider strategic separation between the narrowest point between Woodchurch and between Arrowe Brook Road and Thingwall Greasby and Irby (1.8km) and between Thingwall Road East, to the east of Arrowe Brook Woodchurch and Thingwall (1.2km) Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Strategic countryside recreation facility Contains a major strategic countryside because of the impact on openness and recreation facility including Arrowe Park separation Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 5 – Municipal Golf Course Mid Wirral and (north of) Settlement Area 7 - Arrowe Brook Road, Arrowe Park Road and Heswall Also contains the Major Developed Site at Thingwall Road form strong, clear boundaries Arrowe Park Hospital (UDP Proposal GB9/1, to the Green Belt 171.19 hectares see SP020A below), larger buildings at Arrowe Hall and the Warrens Medical Centre The potential for small infill developments Urban enclosure - 46% and a collection of smaller buildings at Ivy associated with existing clusters of Farm and Top House Farm (Thingwall Road development at Ivy Farm (Arrowe Park Road) Electoral Wards: East) and Top House Farm (Thingwall Road East), Pensby and Thingwall including further development at Arrowe Park Greasby, Frankby and Irby Arrowe Brook runs north along the western Hospital, could potentially continue to be boundary to the parcel and part of the parcel supported in line with national policy for may be at risk from flooding (1.85 ha) previously developed sites in the Green Belt, without any further impact on strategic Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park separation or open countryside Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 35 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) completely wooded

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area (71.7% - 122.72 ha), which includes Arrowe Park Site of Biological Importance (No. B36); Arrowe Brook Local Geological (No. 16); and Priority Habitat – woodland, wetland and grassland

Part of the parcel is in the Arrowe Park Pond WeBS Core Count area (0.6%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

SP020A – Major Developed Site at Arrowe Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt in Park Hospital isolation Part of the wider strategic separation between Large, intensively developed hospital complex Greasby and Irby and between Woodchurch Further infill development could, however, be and car parking, providing general district and and Thingwall provided for by maintaining or revising the maternity services for the Borough boundary to the major developed site, in line The site is enclosed by Arrowe Country Park with national policy for previously developed Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid and already closely reflects the boundaries to sites in the Green Belt, without any further Wirral the existing developed area impact on separation or open countryside

12.16 hectares Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, Urban enclosure - 18% where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 36 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Electoral Wards: Development should be set within a mature Pensby and Thingwall wooded framework and ensure that it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 12% (1.45ha)

Arrowe Park is part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

SP021 – Leasowe Coast Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 1 and Settlement Area 5, at Land to the north of Leasowe Road and Part of the essential east-west strategic one of the narrowest points between Wallasey Bayswater Road, between Pasture Road separation between Leasowe and Wallasey and Leasowe and between Leasowe and the (Moreton) and Derby Pool (Wallasey) (700m) and the north-south separation coastline to the north between Leasowe and Wallasey and the Agricultural land uses horse grazing, arable, coast (typically >600m reducing to <300m in Leasowe Road, the A554 and Bayswater nurseries) the west) Road form strong, clear boundaries to the Green Belt to the south and east Adjacent to (north of) Settlement Area 5 – Contains part of the major strategic coastal Mid-Wirral and (west of) Settlement Area 1 – recreation facilities associated with the North SHLAA 637 and SHLAA 1782 would form Wallasey Wirral Coastal Park and includes Leasowe discordant out-riggers of urban development Golf Course, Wallasey Golf Course, former to the north of Leasowe Road 170.42 hectares market gardens (to the south of Green Lane), Castlefields Estate, Leasowe Castle Hotel, Areas to the west of Leasowe Castle, Urban enclosure - 50% and ribbon development along Bayswater including SHLAA 637, are also at risk from Road but excludes the Miniature Golf Course flooding SHLAA 637 – 5.30ha and picnic area at Derby Pool SHLAA 1782 – 1.33ha Only the properties at 4 to 60 Bayswater Part of the North Wirral Shore Landscape Road (SP021A, 1.18ha) would be potentially

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 37 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Character Area. Quality and condition of the suitable to release from the Green Belt, to Electoral Wards: landscape is good and the landscape strategy reflect the existing pattern of development, Leasowe and Moreton East for the character area is conserve. This is an without any significant impact on openness or Wallasey open exposed landscape with few trees and separation built development although often frequent is contained and maintains a sense of Option 21.1 – The properties at 4 to 60 separation. Any development should maintain Bayswater Road (SP021A) could be the open exposed character with minimal proposed for release from the Green Belt, trees or woodland planting to reflect the existing pattern of development, as a boundary correction to Best and most versatile agricultural land – the Green Belt 20.11%

The coastline to the north is of national and international significance and part of the western area of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (18.68 ha)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 45.2% (77.05 ha), which includes Wallasey Golf Course Site of Biological Importance (No. 59A); Leasowe Gun Site Site of Biological Importance (No. 59B); Leasowe Common Site of Biological Importance (No. 66); and Priority Habitat – coastal and woodland A small part of the parcel is in the Leasowe Bay and Islands WeBS Core Count area (0.02%) and may be supporting habitat The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 38 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

There is permissive access along the coast and throughout North Wirral Coastal Park

Public rights of way (bridlepaths) provide access to the North Wirral Coastal Park and to the foreshore from Bayswater Road along Green Lane; Leasowe Road along Telegraph Lane; and from Leasowe Road across Leasowe Common

The majority of the area (excluding the market gardens) is identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP

SP022 – M53 Corridor (East of Leasowe) Green Belt since February 2000 Provides the separation between Settlement Area 1 and Settlement Area 5 at the Land to the south of Leasowe Road, east of Part of the wider essential strategic east-west narrowest point between Wallasey and Shackelton Road and Ross Avenue and separation between Leasowe and Wallasey Leasowe and part of the strategic separation between the M53 Motorway and the Leasowe (300m), between Leasowe and Birkenhead between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Estate, to the north of the Liverpool to West (600m) and the separation between Leasowe Areas 2 and 3 at the narrowest point between Kirby railway line and the M53 Motorway (400m) Bidston and Leasowe

Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Includes Wallasey School playing fields, Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Wirral and (west of) Settlement Area 1 – Bidston Golf Course, the buildings associated without a significant impact on openness and Wallasey with the Solar Campus at Leasowe Road and separation the Heyes Drive housing estate and the 80.81 hectares Leasowe Road playing fields The majority of the parcel is also subject to risk of flooding including part of the Functional Urban enclosure - 63% The parcel is crossed, to the east of the Floodplain Wallasey School playing fields by the River Electoral Wards: Fender, by the River Birkett and by the Leasowe and Moreton East drainage ditches associated with the course of the old Birkett. The majority of the area, to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 39 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the south of the old Birkett, is designated as Washland in the UDP and a large proportion of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (63.62 ha)

Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements.

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 37.8% (30.55 ha), which includes Old Birket Site of Biological Importance (No. 60); Leasowe Pond Site of Biological Importance (No. 61); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland Part of the parcel is within the Bidston and Fender Fields WeBS Core Count area (28.0%) and may be supporting habitat The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

A permissive footpath crosses the parcel from

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 40 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Scoresby Road and provides a link to Bidston Station. The permissive Wirral Circular Trail off-road cycle route also runs across the parcel from Leasowe Road and follows the River Birket west

The area to the south of the Leasowe Estate is identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements and the area to the south of the Birkett as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/1)

SP023 – M53 Corridor (North of Fender Green Belt since February 2000 Forms part of the separation between Lane) Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 3 at Part of the wider essential east-west strategic the narrowest point between Moreton and Land between Fender Lane and the Liverpool separation between Moreton and Suburban Beechwood to West Kirby railway line, to the east of Birkenhead (700m) and the separation Cornflower Way between Moreton and the M53 Motorway Not suitable for release from the Green Belt (500m) without a significant impact on openness and Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) separation The parcel is crossed, south to north, by the Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- River Fender and east to west by its The majority of the parcel is also subject to Wirral associated drainage ditches. The whole risk of flooding including part of the Functional parcel is designated as Washland in the UDP Floodplain 20.32 hectares and a significant portion is at risk from flooding (19.87 ha) SHLAA 922, SHLAA 923 and SHLAA 924, Urban enclosure - 21% whether together or apart, would also SHLAA 922 – 5.87ha Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe introduce discordant new development into SHLAA 923 – 5.34ha Landscape Character Area, where the quality the otherwise flat and open landscape to the SHLAA 924 – 7.97ha and condition of the landscape is poor and the west of the Motorway landscape strategy for the character area is Electoral Wards: ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 41 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Leasowe and Moreton East urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape,

restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

The majority of the parcel is in the Bidston and Fender Fields WeBS Core Count area (96.4%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements and as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/1)

SP024 – M53 Corridor (East of Moreton) Green Belt since February 2000 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 3 at Land between the M53 Motorway and Fender Part of the wider essential strategic east-west the narrowest point between Moreton and View Road, between Fender Lane and the separation between Moreton and Suburban Beechwood and the remaining separation Moreton Spur and to the south of Chapelhill Birkenhead (700m), the separation between between Moreton and Upton at Upton Park Road, east of Sandbrook Lane Moreton and the M53 Motorway (between 300 and 500m) and the north-south separation The majority of the parcel is not suitable for Agricultural land uses (horse grazing, east of between Moreton, the Motorway Spur road release from the Green Belt because of the Fender View Road) and Upton (typically <300m) impact on openness and separation

Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- The parcel contains grazing land and the The majority of the parcel, including SHLAA Wirral public recreation facilities at Upton Park, to 920, SHLAA 921 and SHLAA 1855, is subject

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 42 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the north of the Moreton Spur, east of to risk of flooding and includes part of the 46.24 hectares Sandbrook Lane Functional Floodplain Urban enclosure - 46% The parcel is crossed, south to north, along its SHLAA 921 and SHLAA 1855 would also SHLAA 920 – 9.16ha eastern boundary by the River Fender and introduce discordant new development into SHLAA 921 – 16.87ha west to east by a network of associated the otherwise flat and open landscape to the SHLAA 1855 - 5.69ha drainage ditches. The majority of the parcel is west of the Motorway Electoral Wards: designated as Washland in the UDP and may be at risk from flooding (31.27 ha) While SHLAA 920, to the east of Fender View Leasowe and Moreton East Road, could potentially accommodate Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe development without significantly narrowing Landscape Character Area, where the quality the separation between Moreton and and condition of the landscape is poor and the Beechwood, the site is visually prominent, landscape strategy for the character area is with no strong boundary apparent to the south ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the or east and is also subject to risk of flooding urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 24.9% (11.53 ha), which includes Sandbrook Lane Pond Site of Biological Importance (No. 63); and Priority Habitat – woodland Part of the parcel is within the Bidston and Fender Fields WeBS Core Count area (55.6%) and may be supporting habitat The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 43 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Ecological Network

The parcel is identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements and the area outside Upton Park is identified as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/1)

SP025 – M53 Corridor (East of Upton) Green Belt since February 2000 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 3 in Land between the Motorway, to the east of Part of the wider essential strategic east-west the narrowest section between Upton and Meadway and Manor Drive, between Norwich separation between Upton and Suburban Beechwood Drive and Ford Way Birkenhead (typically 200m) and the separation between Upton and the M53 The majority of the parcel would not be Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) Motorway (typically <150m) suitable for release from the Green Belt because of the impact on openness and Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- Includes the waste water detention tanks at separation, which could erode the viability of a Wirral Upton Park Drive, garden nurseries at Upton continued Green Belt designation along the Park Drive, and the collection of buildings M53 Corridor 14.42 hectares associated with Ford Lane and Alwood Farm Part of SHLAA 526 (SP025B) could, however, Urban enclosure - 52% The parcel is crossed, south to north by the potentially accommodate new development SHLAA 526 – 2.56ha (SP025A) River Fender and a small area of the parcel without extending further east than 10 SHLAA 1816 – 0.22ha may be at risk from flooding (1.20 ha) Felthorpe Close, to the immediate north, providing that development extends no further Electoral Wards: Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe east than the public footpath adjacent and the Upton Landscape Character Area, where the quality river corridor and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is While the Green Belt boundary could also ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the potentially be amended to exclude the houses urban fringe should reduce the prominence of in large grounds, towards the south of the the urban fringe within the wider landscape, parcel, at Ford Lane and Alwood Farm

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 44 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) restore fragmented field boundaries and (including SHLAA 1816) or to identify an Infill maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ Village in the Green Belt, this could lead to an land between settlements intensification of development that would further diminish the already narrow east-west Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% separation

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - Option 25.1 – SP025B could, if needed, 50.4% (7.27 ha), which includes Priority potentially be proposed for release from Habitat – woodland the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 47 dwellings (2.08ha developable), subject to A public right of way (footpath) runs through appropriate design and boundary the northern part of the parcel from Wolferton treatment, the protection of the river Close along the River Fender and then across corridor and public footpath and highway to Upton Park Drive and transport capacity

The parcel is identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements and the area to the north of Alwood Farm is identified as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal in the UDP (Proposal LA4/1)

SP026 – M53 Corridor (East of Green Belt since February 2000 Forms part of the remaining separation Woodchurch) between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Part of the wider essential strategic east-west Area 3 between Woodchurch and Noctorum Land between the M53 Motorway and Carr separation between Woodchurch and Bridge Road between Ford Way and Suburban Birkenhead (300m) and the The majority of the parcel would not be Woodchurch Road separation between Woodchurch and the M53 suitable for release from the Green Belt Motorway (<200m) because of the impact on openness and Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 5 – Mid- separation, which could erode the viability of a Wirral Includes Woodchurch Leisure Centre, continued Green Belt designation along the Woodchurch Community Centre, M53 Corridor 42.11 hectares Woodchurch High School (now re-sited and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 45 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) re-developed), St Benedict’s High School Urban enclosure - 52% The boundary to the Green Belt could, (now housing), the new Foxfield Special however, be amended to take account of School and the school and nursing home Electoral Wards: recent housing development at the former St associated with the adjacent St Michael and Benedict’s High School (SP026A, 3.15ha) Upton All Angels RC Church at New Hey Road Option 26.1 – The properties at Sunflower An area adjacent to the Motorway, to the Close, Bridge Meadow Road and 360 to north of Woodchurch Leisure Centre, now 390 New Hey Road (SP026A), could, if includes Woodchurch Community Woodland needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to reflect the Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe existing pattern of development, as a Landscape Character Area, where the quality boundary correction to the Green Belt and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 42.3% (17.82 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

A public right of way (footpath) crosses the southern part of the parcel from east to west linking to the public right of way on the other side of the M53 Motorway and River Fender with New Hey Road and providing access to the Holmlands Drive housing estate

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 46 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

A permissive footpath also crosses the middle of the parcel from east to west linking the public right of way on the other side of the M53 Motorway and River Fender to Carr Bridge Road and Noctorum Avenue

The majority of this area is identified as an area for Road Corridor Environmental improvement in the UDP

SP027 – M53 Corridor (West of Bidston Green Belt since February 2000 The parcel forms part of the remaining Moss) separation between Settlement Area 5 and Part of the wider essential east-west strategic Settlement Area 3 between Leasowe, Land between the M53 Motorway, Fender separation between Leasowe, Moreton and Moreton and Bidston and is highly visible from Lane and Bidston Approach, to the west of Birkenhead (between 700m and 800m) and the M53 Motorway Junction 1 Retail Park the separation between Birkenhead and the M53 Motorway (400m reducing to 200m in the The majority of the parcel would not be Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) south and <150m in the north) suitable for release from the Green Belt because of the impact on openness and Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 2 – The parcel is bisected by the Bidston to separation Commercial Core and (west of) Settlement Wrexham railway line, the Liverpool to West Area 3 – Suburban Birkenhead Kirby railway line, overhead electricity cables Fender Lane and the A554 currently provide and pylons and by the River Birkett clear, strong boundaries to the south and east 30.54 hectares Contains Bidston Railway Station and Park SHLAA 738, to the east of the Bidston to Urban enclosure - 42% and Ride Car Park and Bidston Moss Local Wrexham railway line, which could potentially Nature Reserve (to the north of the Birkett) provide an alternative strong boundary to a SHLAA 738 – 6.98ha revised Green Belt, could potentially The area to the north of the Birkett is accommodate development with a more Electoral Wards: designated as Washland in the UDP and the limited impact on openness and separation Bidston and St James majority of the parcel may be at risk from but is at risk of flooding and subject to a flooding (24.55 ha) biodiversity designation

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 47 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 68.2% (20.81 ha), which includes Bidston Moss Local Nature Reserve; Bidston Marsh Site of Biological Importance (No. 62); and Priority Habitat – wetland and woodland

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Public right of way (footpath) and permissive off-road cycle route (Sunstans National Cycle Network Route 56) runs across the south eastern part of the parcel from Bidston Link Road to Bidston Station providing a link to Wallasey and a permissive footpath runs from Bidston Station north west to Bidston Golf Course under the M53 Motorway providing a link to the Leasowe Housing Estate

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 48 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

The UDP identifies the Bidston to Wrexham railway line and the areas to the west as areas for Transport Corridor Environmental Improvements and the areas to the south of the Birkett are identified as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal (Proposal LA4/1)

SP028 – M53 Corridor (West of Green Belt since February 2000 Forms part of the separation between Beechwood) Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 3 at Part of the wider essential strategic east-west the narrowest point between Moreton and Land between the M 53 Motorway and the separation between Moreton and Upton and Upton and Beechwood Bidston to Wrexham railway line, at Suburban Birkenhead (700m reducing to Beechwood, between Fender Lane and Ford <200m in the south) and the separation Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Way between Beechwood and the M53 Motorway because of the impact on openness and (300m reducing to 50m in the south) separation Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) Includes open fields and ponds and the The Bidston to Wrexham railway line forms a Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 3 – Motorway link roads associated with the clear, strong boundary to the Green Belt, to Suburban Birkenhead Moreton Spur Road the east and the majority of the wider northern area is also at risk of flooding 29.75 hectares The River Fender crosses the south western corner of the parcel and a significant area Urban enclosure - 46% may be at risk from flooding (13.25 ha)

Electoral Wards: The parcel is crossed along its southern Bidston and St James section by overhead electricity cables and pylons

There is also poor vehicular access to the majority of this parcel

Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 49 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 24.6% (7.31 ha) of Priority Habitat – wetland and woodland

Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

The UDP identifies the parcel as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal (Proposal LA4/1). The Bidston to Wrexham railway line and the areas to the west are identified as areas for Transport Corridor Environmental Improvements

SP029 – M53 Corridor (West of Noctorum) Green Belt since February 2000 Forms part of the separation between Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 3 Land between the M53 Moto rway and the Part of the wider essential strategic between Woodchurch and Birkenhead Bidston to Wrexham railway line at Noctorum, separation between Woodchurch and between Ford Way and Woodchurch Road Suburban Birkenhead (300m) and between The Bidston to Wrexham railway line forms a Noctorum, Holmlands Drive and the M53 clear, strong boundary to the Green Belt, to Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 3 – Motorway (150m reducing to <50m in the the east

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 50 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Suburban Birkenhead north) Not suitable for release from the Green Belt because of the impact on separation and 14.88 hectares Includes Upton railway station and the site of openness and the limited potential to a proposed railway station and railway station accommodate new development Urban enclosure - 53% car park at Woodchurch Road, currently being used under a temporary licence as playing Electoral Wards: fields (‘The Glen’) Claughton Oxton The heavily canalised River Fender runs through the length of the parcel and a small area may be at risk from flooding (0.76 ha)

Overhead electricity pylons and cables run south to north across the whole length of the parcel

There is also poor vehicular access to the majority of this parcel

Part of the North Fender Urban Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘restore’ or ‘create’. Development along the urban fringe should reduce the prominence of the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% (not relevant)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 51 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 24.7% (3.68 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

A public right of way (footpath) runs north to south along the full length of the parcel from Upton Station to Woodchurch Road to south and crosses the southern part of the parcel east to west connecting Holmlands Drive housing estate and Woodchurch

A permissive footpath also crosses the middle of the parcel from east to west connecting Noctorum Avenue with Woodchurch beyond the M53 Motorway

The Bidston to Wrexham railway line and the areas to the west are identified in the UDP as areas for Transport Corridor Environmental Improvements. The area around Upton Station is identified as an Area Requiring Landscape Renewal (Proposal LA4/1)

SDP030 – North of Lever Causeway Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway and the Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway, situated on a rising hillside visible Bidston to Wrexham railway line, to the south Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall from the M53 Motorway of Prenton Dell Road and Stanley Avenue, (3.5km distant), the separation between Mountwood, to the north of Landican Lane, Prenton and Little Storeton (1.1km), the Development would have limited impact on Storeton Village and the Lever Causeway separation between Bebington and the M53 the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Motorway (1.8km) and the separation west but could introduce discordant Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse between Prenton and the M53 Motorway development into the open countryside unless grazing) (1.3km reducing to 600m in the west) part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Motorway, which could potentially provide an

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 52 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) alternative strong boundary to a revised Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 3 – Includes Prenton Golf Course, Prenton Rugby Green Belt, alongside SP031 to SP039 and Suburban Birkenhead and (west of) Club, the former Prenton Brickworks, Prenton SP041 Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough and Dell open space and a small collection of Eastham buildings associated with Roman Road at Development across the whole of the parcel Prenton would also join Little Storeton with the existing 150.95 hectares urban area Overhead electricity pylons and cables run Urban enclosure - 56% north-south along the western boundary Few strong boundaries are apparent between the urban edge and the M53 Motorway or SHLAA 1819 – 10.58ha Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural between the urban edge and Lever Causeway SHLAA 1880 – 3.11ha Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the SHLAA 1949 – 6.13ha quality and condition of the landscape is Only the area to the north of Prenton Golf moderate and the landscape strategy for the Course (SP030E, 25.32ha) would not be Electoral Wards: character area is ‘enhance’. Changes along visually prominent, with open views across the urban fringe could have a positive effect Prenton the southern part of the parcel from the M53 on the character if they increase screening of Bebington Motorway, to the north of Cow Hey Covert urban features and reduce the prominence of

the urban fringe On their own, SHLAA 1949, at Prenton Dell, which also appears to have no strong Best and most versatile agricultural land – boundary apparent to the east; and SHLAA 18.6% 1880, to the east of Roman Road, bounded by the Golf Course to the south and west; Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area would introduce discordant out-riggers of – 31.4% (47.41 ha), which includes Prenton urban development into the open countryside, Dell and Claypit Site of Biological Importance although the release of SHLAA 1880 could (No. 71); and Priority Habitat – woodland also allow existing properties at Roman Road Public right of way (footpath) runs north to to be brought into the urban area south along the full length of the parcel from Only part of SHLAA 1819 (SP030C, 7.87ha), Upton Station to Woodchurch Road to south to the south of Stanley Avenue could There is poor vehicular access to the majority potentially accommodate development with a of this parcel, particularly from the north, more limited impact on openness and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 53 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) including a significant change in ground level separation, although no strong boundary is to the rear of Prenton Dell Road apparent to the west

A public right of way (bridlepath) crosses the Option 30.1 – SP030E (25.32ha) between parcel north to south from Roman Road to the urban edge and Prenton Golf Course, Little Storeton including SHLAA 1949, SHLAA 1880 and surrounding land, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 322 dwellings (21.46ha developable), subject to appropriate highway access being available, with Prenton RUFC protected as Urban Greenspace and Prenton Golf Course remaining within the Green Belt

And/or

Option 30.2 – SP030C could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with or without SP033A, to establish a revised western boundary to the Green Belt, to reflect the western extent of Stanley Avenue, with a capacity of up to 163 dwellings (7.24ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of trees and woodland and the tree lined corridor along Lever Causeway

Or

Option 30.3 – SP030 alongside SP031 to SP039 and SP041 could, if needed,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 54 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway, to the north of Junction 4, with a capacity of up to 1,467 dwellings (97.81ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of trees and woodland and the tree lined corridor along Lever Causeway

Prenton Golf Course (42.32ha), Prenton RUFC (3.30ha) and landscape features such as Marsh Hey Covert and Cow Hey Covert and the public right of way between Prenton Dell Road and Little Storeton could be protected alongside any additional public open space to be provided, as Urban Greenspace

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP031 – West of Landican Lane, Storeton Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway to the Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway, on an open hillside adjacent to the south and west of Landican Lane, to the north Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall M53 Motorway of Station Road (3.5km distant), the separation between Storeton Village and Little Storeton and the Although adjacent to Little Storeton and Agricultural land uses (arable) M53 Motorway (200m) and the separation Storeton Village to the east, the parcel is

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 55 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) between Bebington and the M53 Motorway isolated from any main settlement and would Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area (1.4km) introduce discordant urban development into 16.95 hectares the open countryside unless part of a wider Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland release to the east of the M53 Motorway, Urban enclosure - 0% Landscape Character Area, where the quality which could potentially provide an alternative and condition of the landscape is good and strong boundary to a revised Green Belt, Electoral Wards: the landscape strategy for the character area alongside SP030, SP032 to SP039 and is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive SP041 Bebington to any changes which would reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the Option 31.1 – SP031 alongside SP030, prominence of roads or urban edges SP032 to SP039 and SP041 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for Best and most versatile agricultural land – release from the Green Belt, to establish a 1.0% revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway, to the north of Junction 4, Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area with a capacity of 248 dwellings (16.56ha – 2.0% (0.34 ha) of Priority Habitat - developable), subject to appropriate woodland design and layout, the protection of woodland and the public right of way from Public right of way (footpath) crosses east to Thingwall to Little Storeton and provision west across the middle of the parcel between of additional public open space Little Storeton and Lower Thingwall Visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP032 – Little Storeton Green Belt since December 1983 Existing developed area in the Green Belt at Little Storeton Lane, which could potentially Land to the east of Landican Lane, west of Part of a wider strategic separation between be identified as a Infill Village in the Green Lever Causeway, to the north and south of Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall Belt without introducing discordant Little Storeton Lane (3.5km distant) and the separation between development within the open countryside Bebington and the M53 Motorway (1.4km) Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) Part of the remaining open area between the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 56 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Includes the collection of buildings associated Motorway, situated on a rising hillside towards with Little Storeton Lane and Grange Farm the M53 Motorway 7.17 hectares and two open fields to the south between Landican Lane and Lever Causeway to the Only suitable for release from the Green Belt Urban enclosure - 0% south of Little Storeton Lane as part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Motorway, which could potentially Electoral Wards: The area of the parcel to the north of Little provide an alternative strong boundary to a Storeton Lane is part of the Landican and Bebington revised Green Belt, alongside SP030, SP031, Thingwall Rural Fringe Landscape Character SP033 to SP039 and SP041 Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate and the landscape Option 32.1 – Retain SP032 in the Green strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Belt but, if needed, propose to identify a Changes along the urban fringe could have a new Infill Village in the Green Belt, which positive effect on the character if they could include the existing built-up areas at increase screening of urban features and Lever Causeway (SP033B) and the existing reduce the prominence of the urban fringe Infill Village at Storeton Village (SP034) The area to the south of Little Storeton Lane Or is part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality Option 32.2 – SP032 alongside SP030, and condition of the landscape is good and SP031, SP033 to SP039 and SP041 could, the landscape strategy for the character area if needed, potentially be proposed for is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive release from the Green Belt, to establish a to any changes which would reduce the local revised Green Belt boundary along the distinctiveness of villages or increase the M53 Motorway, to the north of Junction 4 prominence of roads or urban edges Additional public open space would need A small area to the south east of the parcel is to be provided part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Character Area, where the quality Land to the north of Grange Farm and condition of the landscape is poor to (SP032B, 1.22ha developable) and the moderate and the landscape strategy for the fields to the south of Little Storeton Lane

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 57 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) character area is ‘enhance’. Any new (SP032C, 1.94ha developable) could have a development should ensure that it does not capacity of up to 71 dwellings compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 20.6%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 9.4% (0.67 ha) of Priority Habitat - woodland

SP033 – South of Lever Causeway Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to south and east of Lever Causeway, Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway, situated on the upper slopes of a the north of Rest Hill Road, to the south of Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall rising hillside, above Storeton Village Marsh Lane, west of Mount Road (excluding (3.5km distant), the separation between Storeton Village) Bebington and Little Storeton and Storeton Development would have limited impact on Village (1.1km) and the separation between the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Agricultural land uses (horse grazing and Bebington and the M53 Motorway (1.4km) west but would introduce discordant horse related facilities) development into the open countryside unless Includes buildings outside the Infill Village at part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – Storeton Hall Farm, an area of more modern Motorway, which could potentially provide an Bromborough and Eastham ribbon development on Lever Causeway and alternative strong boundary to a revised the buildings associated with Woodend Farm Green Belt, alongside SP030 to SP032, 62.07 hectares along the Mount Road frontage adjacent to SP034 to SP039 and SP041, which would SP035A also join Storeton Village with the existing Urban enclosure - 21% urban area SHLAA 1551 – 0.08ha Part of a prominent open hillside, up towards SHLAA 1777 – 0.87ha Storeton Woods Only SHLAA 1777 (SP033A), which is largely SHLAA 1780 (part) – 2.91ha enclosed by existing development and Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Storeton Hill Woodland; and SHLAA 1551,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 58 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Landscape Character Area, where the quality which forms part of an otherwise built up Electoral Wards: and condition of the landscape is poor to frontage along Lever Causeway; could also Bebington moderate and the landscape strategy for the potentially accommodate development character area is ‘enhance’. Any new without harm to open countryside development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and Alternatively, additional developed areas at scale of farmsteads and rural character of the Lever Causeway (SP033B, 1.16ha, including land SHLAA 1551) and at Storeton Hall Farm (SP033C, including SHLAA 1780) could Best and most versatile agricultural land – potentially be added to the existing adjacent 46.6% Infill Village (UDP Proposal GB7/5), again, without any significant impact on the open Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area countryside - 23.4% (14.51ha), which includes Storeton Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. 40) Option 33.1 - SP033A (SHLAA 1777), with (part); Storeton Hill Local Geological Site (No. or without SP035 and SP030C could, if 10) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland, needed, potentially be proposed for heath and wetland release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 5 dwellings (0.51ha The parcel is also part of the nature developable), to reflect existing densities, improvement area identified in the LCR subject to appropriate design and Ecological Network boundary treatment and the protection of existing woodland A public right of way (footpath) runs north to south across the parcel from Lever Causeway And/or to Rest Hill Road. A network of permissive paths also run through Storeton Wood Option 33.2 – Retain SP033 in the Green Woodland Trust site linking Marsh Lane, Rest Belt, with or without the release of SP033A Hill Road and Mount Road but, if needed, propose to include the existing built-up areas at Lever Causeway (SP033B), including SHLAA 1551 and Storeton Hall Farm (SP033C), including SHLAA 1780, in an extended Infill Village

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 59 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) in the Green Belt, with or without any additional areas at Little Storeton (SP032)

Or

Option 33.3 – The whole of SP033, alongside SP030 to SP032, SP034 to SP039 and SP041, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway, to the north of Junction 4, with a capacity of up to 636 dwellings (42.42ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of existing woodland

Additional public open space would need to be provided in areas not within 400m of Storeton Woods (12.52ha), which could be protected as Urban Greenspace

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP034 – Storeton Village Green Belt since December 1983 Existing developed area in the Green Belt which is already identified as a Infill Village in Land at Storeton Village, to the south and Part of a wider strategic separation between the Green Belt, which could potentially be east of Lever Causeway around the junctions Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall extended without introducing discordant between Rest Hill Road, Red Hill Road and (3.5km distant) and the separation between development within the open countryside

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 60 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Keepers Lane Bebington and the M53 Motorway (1.2km) Part of the remaining open area between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Agricultural land uses (horse related facilities) Designated as an Infill Village in the UDP Motorway, situated on a rising hillside towards (Proposal GB7/5) Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area the M53 Motorway Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Only suitable for release from the Green Belt 4.11 hectares Landscape Character Area, where the quality as part of a wider release to the east of the and condition of the landscape is poor to M53 Motorway, which could potentially Urban enclosure - 0% moderate and the landscape strategy for the provide an alternative strong boundary to a character area is ‘enhance’. Any new SHLAA 1780 (part) – 2.91ha revised Green Belt, alongside SP030 to development should ensure that it does not SP033, SP035 to SP039 and SP041 Electoral Wards: compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the Bebington Option 34.1 – Retain SP034 in the Green land Belt but, if needed, propose to identify an extended Infill Village, to include the Best and most versatile agricultural land – existing built-up areas at Lever Causeway 0.2% (SP033B) and Little Storeton (SP032A) and Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area other appropriate surrounding areas – 2.7% (0.11 ha) of Priority Habitat - Or woodland Option 34.2 – SP034 alongside SP030 to SP033, SP035 to SP039 and SP041 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway, to the north of Junction 4

SP035 – North of Marsh Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to the north of Marsh Lane, to the south Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway, situated at the top of a rising of Lever Causeway, west of Mount Road Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall hillside (3.5km distant), the separation between

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 61 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Bebington and Little Storeton (1.2km) the Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) Development would have limited impact on separation between Bebington and the M53 the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Motorway (1.7km) Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – west but would, on its own, including SHLAA Bromborough and Eastham 1779, introduce discordant development into Includes the collection of frontage the open countryside 9.38 hectares development at 1 Lever Causeway and 40-44 Mount Road The frontage to Mount Road between Lever Urban enclosure - 19% Causeway and Marsh Lane (SP035A, 1.31ha Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley including the existing development at 1 Lever Landscape Character Area, where the quality SHLAA 1779 – 5.32ha Causeway, 40 and 42 Mount Road and and condition of the landscape is poor to Broadway and part of SHLAA 1779 between moderate and the landscape strategy for the Electoral Wards: Broadway and Marsh Lane) could potentially character area is ‘enhance’. Any new be released with little impact on separation Bebington development should ensure that it does not although open views exist to Mount Road and compromise wooded horizons, nature and no strong boundary is apparent to the west scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land Alternatively, the whole of SP035 could potentially be released but only alongside Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% SP030C, to the north, to align with the Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area existing extent of the western boundary to – 8.0% (0.75 ha) of Priority Habitat – Stanley Avenue, with limited impact on woodland separation and Marsh Lane providing a clear, strong boundary to a revised Green Belt The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Option 35.1 – SP035A, the frontage to Ecological Network Mount Road between Lever Causeway and Marsh Lane, with or without SP033A, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with capacity of up to 5 dwellings (0.69ha developable), to reflect existing densities, subject to appropriate design and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 62 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) boundary treatment and the protection of the tree lined corridor along Lever Causeway

Or

Option 35.2 – The whole of SP035 alongside SP030C could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with or without SP033A, to establish a revised western boundary the Green Belt along Marsh Lane and to reflect the western extent of Stanley Avenue, with a capacity of up to 174 dwellings (7.75ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of the tree lined corridor along Lever Causeway

Or

Option 35.3 – The whole of SP035, alongside SP030 to SP034, SP036 to SP039 and SP041, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway, to the north of Junction 4, with a capacity of up to 174 dwellings (7.75ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of the tree lined corridor along Lever Causeway

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 63 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP036 – South of Rest Hill Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to north of Red Hill Road, west of Mount Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway, situated on the upper slopes of a Road, to the south of Rest Hill Road Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall rising hillside above Storeton Village, highly (excluding Storeton Village) (3.5km distant), the separation between visible from the M53 Motorway and the across Bebington and Storeton Village (800m) and the open countryside to the west Agricultural land uses (pasture) the separation between Bebington and the M53 Motorway (900m) Development would have limited impact on Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Bromborough and Eastham Forms part of a prominent open hillside, up west but would introduce discordant towards Storeton Woods, including the development into the open countryside unless 37.06 hectares buildings at Hillside Farm, Hillside Cottages part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Storeton Hill woodland and the TV relay Motorway, which could potentially provide an Urban enclosure - 20% station at Storeton Hill woodland alternative strong boundary to a revised Green Belt, alongside SP030 to SP035, SHLAA 1962 – 28.13ha Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley SP037 to SP039 and SP041, which would Landscape Character Area, where the quality also join Storeton Village with the existing Electoral Wards: and condition of the landscape is poor to urban area Bebington moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new Alternatively, additional developed areas at development should ensure that it does not Storeton House Farm (parts of SHLAA 1962) compromise wooded horizons, nature and could potentially be added to the existing scale of farmsteads and rural character of the adjacent Infill Village (UDP Proposal GB7/5), land without any significant impact on the open countryside Best and most versatile agricultural land – 40.5% Option 36.1 – Retain SP036 in the Green Belt but, if needed, propose to include the Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - existing built-up areas at Storeton House

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 64 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 23.5% (8.69 ha), which includes Storeton Farm, including parts of SHLAA 1962, in Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. 40) an extended Infill Village in the Green Belt (part); Storeton Hill Local Geological Site (No. 10) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland Or and wetland Option 36.2 – The whole of SP036, The parcel is also part of the nature alongside SP030 to SP035, SP037 to improvement area identified in the LCR SP039 and SP041, could, if needed, Ecological Network potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Public right of way (footpath) runs north to Green Belt boundary along the M53 south across the parcel to the west of Motorway, to the north of Junction 4, with Storeton Wood and Hillside Farm from Rest a capacity of up to 393 dwellings (26.23ha Hill Road to Red Hill Road developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment

Additional public open space would need to be provided in areas not within 400m of Storeton Woods (7.98ha), which could be protected as Urban Greenspace

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP037 – South of Red Hill Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway, to the Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway, situated on a rising hillside highly north of Junction 4, between Brimstage Lane, Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall visible from the M53 Motorway and the across Red Hill Road and Mount Road (4km distant) and the separation between the open countryside to the west Bebington and the M53 Motorway (900m)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 65 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Agricultural land uses (pasture and horse Includes Highways Depot and Clatterbridge Parcel is isolated from any main settlement grazing) HWRC at Junction 4 of the M53 Motorway and would introduce discordant urban development into the open countryside unless Adjacent to (south and west of) Settlement Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Area 4 – Bromborough and Eastham Landscape Character Area, where the quality Motorway, which could potentially provide an and condition of the landscape is poor to alternative strong boundary to a revised 49.38 hectares moderate and the landscape strategy for the Green Belt, alongside SP030 to SP036, character area is ‘enhance’. Any new SP038, SP039 and SP041 Urban enclosure - 0% development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and SHLAA 866, to the rear of the Depot and SHLAA 866 – 1.26ha scale of farmsteads and rural character of the Waste Reception Centre at Mount Road, SHLAA 1969 – 40.09ha land would also, on its own, introduce discordant urban development into the open countryside Electoral Wards: Best and most versatile agricultural land – Bebington 61.3% Option 37.1 – The whole of SP037, alongside SP030 to SP036, SP038, SP039 Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area and SP041, could, if needed, potentially be – 11.0% (5.44 ha) of Priority Habitat – proposed for release from the Green Belt, woodland to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway, to the north of The parcel is also part of the nature Junction 4, with a capacity of up to 581 improvement area identified in the LCR dwellings (38.71ha developable), subject Ecological Network to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of Public right of way (footpath) crosses the Umberstone Covert and the smaller parcel from Red Hill Road on the north to woodland at Brimstage Lane Brimstage Lane on the west Additional public open space would need to be provided in areas not within 400m of Storeton Woods or Brackenwood Park, which could be protected as Urban Greenspace

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 66 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP038 – Brackenwood Park and Golf Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the Course urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway Land to the south of Braken Lane, to the east Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall of Mount Road and west of Brakenwood Road (3.5km distant) and between Bebington and Development would have limited impact on the M53 Motorway (800m) the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – west but would, on its own, introduce a Bromborough and Eastham Contains the public outdoor recreation discordant out-rigger of urban development facilities at Brackenwood Park and into the open countryside unless with SP039 27.48 hectares Brackenwood Municipal Golf Course or as part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Motorway, which could potentially Urban enclosure - 38% Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley provide an alternative strong boundary to a Landscape Character Area, where the quality revised Green Belt Electoral Wards: and condition of the landscape is poor to Bebington moderate and the landscape strategy for the Option 38.1 – SP038 alongside SP039, character area is ‘enhance’. Any new could, if needed, potentially be proposed development should ensure that it does not for release from the Green Belt, to compromise wooded horizons, nature and establish a revised Green Belt boundary scale of farmsteads and rural character of the along Mount Road and Brimstage Road land Or Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Option 38.2 – SP038 alongside SP030 to Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area SP037, SP039 and SP041 could, if needed, – 17.1% (4.70 ha) of Priority Habitat – potentially be proposed for release from woodland the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Brimstage

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 67 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Road and the M53 Motorway, to the north The parcel is also part of the nature of Junction 4, subject to the protection of improvement area identified in the LCR existing ponds and woodland Ecological Network And/or Public right of way (footpath) runs along the western edge of the parcel adjacent to Mount Option 38.3 – SP038 alongside SP039 to Road SP044 or S039 to SP046, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Mount Road and the M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodland

Brackenwood Park (3.84ha) and Golf Course (22.69ha) could be protected as Urban Greenspace

SP039 – South of Peter Prices Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge in Bebington and the M53 Land to the north and east of M53 Motorway Part of a wider strategic separation between Motorway Junction 4, to the east of Brackenwood Road, Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall north of Brimstage Road and south of Peter (4km distant) and the separation between Development would have limited impact on Prices Lane Bebington and the M53 Motorway (800m) the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the west but would, on its own, introduce a Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – Contains the public outdoor recreation discordant out-rigger of urban development Bromborough and Eastham facilities at Brackenwood Municipal Golf into the open countryside unless with SP038 Course and Poulton Recreation Ground or as part of a wider release to the east of the 25.34 hectares M53 Motorway, which could potentially Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley provide an alternative strong boundary to a Urban enclosure - 41% Landscape Character Area, where the quality revised Green Belt and condition of the landscape is poor to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 68 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) moderate and the landscape strategy for the Electoral Wards: Option 39.1 – SP039 alongside SP038 character area is ‘enhance’. Any new could, if needed, potentially be proposed Bebington development should ensure that it does not for release from the Green Belt, to compromise wooded horizons, nature and establish a revised Green Belt boundary scale of farmsteads and rural character of the along Mount Road and Brimstage Road land Or Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Option 39.2 – SP039, alongside SP030 to Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area SP038 and SP041, could, if needed, – 9.7% (2.46 ha) of Priority Habitat - potentially be proposed for release from woodland the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Brimstage The parcel is also part of the nature Road and the M53 Motorway, to the north improvement area identified in the LCR of Junction 4, subject to the protection of Ecological Network existing ponds and woodland Two public rights of way (footpaths) run east And/Or to west across the southern part of the parcel from Brimstage Road to the junction of Mount Option 39.3 – SP039 alongside SP038 and Road and Brakenwood Lane. One footpath SP040 to SP044 or SP038 and SP040 to follows a direct route across the Golf Course SP046 could, if needed, potentially be and the other follows the southern edge of the proposed for release from the Green Belt, parcel to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Mount Road and the M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodland

Brackenwood Golf Course (19.36ha) and Poulton Recreation Ground (5.05ha) could be protected as Urban Greenspace

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 69 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP040 – East of M53 Junction 4 Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Poulton-Spital and the M53 Land to the south of Brimstage Road, to the Part of a wider strategic separation Motorway east of the M53 Motorway and north Bebington, Poulton-Spital and Settlement Clatterbridge Road Area 7 – Heswall (4km distant) and the Development would have limited impact on separation between Bebington, Poulton-Spital the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Agricultural land uses (arable) and the M53 Motorway (<600m) west but would introduce a discordant out- rigger of urban development into the open Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley countryside unless part of a wider release to Bromborough and Eastham Landscape Character Area, where the quality the east of the M53 Motorway, which could and condition of the landscape is poor to potentially provide an alternative strong 12.66 hectares moderate and the landscape strategy for the boundary to a revised Green Belt character area is ‘enhance’. Any new Urban enclosure - 10% development should ensure that it does not Option 40.1 – SP040 alongside SP038, compromise wooded horizons, nature and SP039 and SP042 to SP044 could, if SHLAA 1942 – 11.06ha scale of farmsteads and rural character of the needed, potentially be proposed for land release from the Green Belt, to establish a Electoral Wards: revised Green Belt boundary along the Clatterbridge Best and most versatile agricultural land – M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, 91.0% to Thornton Common Road, with a capacity of up to 163 dwellings (10.85ha The parcel is also part of the nature developable), subject to appropriate improvement area identified in the LCR design and boundary treatment Ecological Network Or

Option 40.2 - SP040 alongside SP038, SP039 and SP042 to SP046 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, to Eastham Rake, with a capacity of up to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 70 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 163 dwellings (10 .8 5ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment

Additional public open space would need to be provided in areas not within 400m of Poulton Recreation Ground

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP041 – Land at Keepers Lane, Storeton Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Bebington and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway, Part of a prominent open hillside, up towards Motorway, on an open hillside adjacent to the between Station Road, Storeton Village and Storeton Woods M53 Motorway Brimstage Lane Part of a wider strategic separation between Although adjacent to Storeton Village, to the Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Bebington and Settlement Area 7 – Heswall north, SP041 is isolated from any main and arable) (3.5km distant), between Bebington and the settlement and would introduce discordant M53 Motorway (800m) and an important urban development into the open countryside Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area separation between Storeton Village and the unless part of a wider release to the east of M53 Motorway (<200m) the M53 Motorway, which could potentially 22.89 hectares provide an alternative strong boundary to a Includes the buildings and poultry houses revised Green Belt, alongside SP030 to Urban enclosure - 0% associated with Storeton Lodge SP039 SHLAA 1963 – 22.30ha The majority of the parcel is part of the Alternatively, additional areas between the Electoral Wards: Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Lever Causeway Woodland and Keepers Bebington Character Area, where the quality and Lane at Home Farm (parts of SHLAA 1963) condition of the landscape is poor to could potentially be added to the existing

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 71 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) moderate and the landscape strategy for the adjacent Infill Village (UDP Proposal GB7/5)

character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not Option 41.1 – Retain SP041 in the Green compromise wooded horizons, nature and Belt but, if needed, propose to include scale of farmsteads and rural character of the additional areas between the Lever land Causeway Woodland and Keepers Lane at Home Farm, including parts of SHLAA A smaller area to the north west of the parcel 1963, in an extended Infill Village in the is part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Green Belt Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and Or the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive Option 41.2 – The whole of SP041 to any changes which would reduce the local alongside SP030 to SP039 could, if distinctiveness of villages or increase the needed, potentially be proposed for prominence of roads or urban edges release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the Best and most versatile agricultural land – M53 Motorway, with a capacity of up to 304 54.1% dwellings (20.27ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - treatment and the protection of the Lever 4.6% (1.05 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland Causeway Woodland Public right of way (footpath) runs north to Additional public open space would also south across the parcel from Storeton Village need to be provided along Keepers Lane and on to Brimstage Road The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 72 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP042 – North of Poulton Hall Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Poulton-Spital and at Land to the east of the M53 Motorway, to the Part of a wider strategic separation between Bromborough and the M53 Motorway south of Clatterbridge Road, west of Poulton Poulton-Spital, Bromborough and Settlement Royd Drive and Poulton Road, to the north of Area 7 – Heswall (4.5km distant) and the Development would have limited impact on Thornton Common Road and Poulton Hall separation between Poulton-Spital and the the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the Road M53 Motorway (400m) west but would introduce a discordant out- rigger of urban development into the open Agricultural land uses (arable) The southern and western parts of the parcel countryside unless part of a wider release to also form part of a wider incursion of the east of the M53 Motorway, which could Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – countryside which separates the urban areas potentially provide an alternative strong Bromborough and Eastham at Poulton Spital from Brookhurst (Kent Close, boundary to a revised Green Belt 700m) and the existing outrigger of urban 80.11 hectares development at Raby Drive (north south, Only the existing properties in large grounds 950m) at Poulton Royd Drive, between Clatterbridge Urban enclosure - 27% Road and Poulton Green Close (SP042A), Includes Claremount Farm, and the buildings would be potentially suitable for release from SHLAA 1984 – 37.14ha in large grounds associated with Poulton the Green Belt, without any significant impact Royd, Windy harbour, Mill Hill and Windcots on the open countryside Electoral Wards: along Poulton Royd Drive and Lancelyn Farm Option 42.1 – The properties at Claremont Clatterbridge Clatter Brook meanders from west to east Farm to 83 Poulton Royd Drive (SP042A) across the south west corner of the parcel as could, if needed, potentially be proposed part of Dibbinsdale SSSI and a small area of for release from the Green Belt, to reflect the parcel may be at risk from flooding (1.89 the existing pattern of development, as a ha) boundary correction to the Green Belt

Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Or Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to Option 42.2 – SP042 alongside SP038 to moderate and the landscape strategy for the SP040 and SP043 and SP044 could, if character area is ‘enhance’. Any new needed, potentially be proposed for development should ensure that it does not release from the Green Belt, to establish a

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 73 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) compromise wooded horizons, nature and revised Green Belt boundary along Mount scale of farmsteads and rural character of the Road and along the M53 Motorway to the land south of junction 4, to Thornton Common Road, with a capacity of up to 939 Best and most versatile agricultural land – dwellings (62.61ha developable), subject 89.8% to the protection of existing ponds and woodlands and Dibbinsdale SSSI, which Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area is also at risk from flooding – 14.6% (11.68 ha), which includes Dibbinsdale Site of Special Scientific Interest Or (part, 3.91ha); Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland; and Ancient & Semi-Natural Option 42.3 – SP042 alongside SP038 to Woodland SP040 and SP043 to SP046 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for The parcel is also part of the nature release from the Green Belt, to establish a improvement area identified in the LCR revised Green Belt boundary along the Ecological Network M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, to Eastham Rake, with a capacity of up to 939 dwellings (62.61ha developable), subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodlands and Dibbinsdale SSSI, which is also at risk from flooding

Dibbinsdale SSSI could be protected as Urban Greenspace

Additional public open space will need to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 74 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) independent appraisal before release

SP043 – East of Poulton Road, Spital Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Bromborough and the M53 Land to the east of Poulton Road and Part of a wider east- west strategic separation Motorway, largely enclosed by the existing Dibbinsdale Road, to the west of the Liverpool between Bromborough and the M53 urban areas at Poulton-Spital and Brookhurst to Chester railway line Motorway and between Bromborough and (at Kent Close) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall (5.4km distant) Agricultural land uses (arable) but also forms part of a wider incursion of Poulton Road could potentially form a clear, countryside which separates the urban areas strong boundary to a revised Green Belt Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – at Poulton Spital from Brookhurst (Kent Bromborough and Eastham, between Poulton Close) (north south, 700m) Development would have no greater impact Spital and Brookhurst on the separation with Settlement Area 7 to Includes Vineyard Farm and smaller isolated the west 64.71 hectares developments at Vineyard Cottage and Rose Cottage Only a smaller area at Vineyard Farm Urban enclosure - 77% (SP043B, 21.51ha) would, however, be Dibbinsdale Brook meanders across the potentially developable, because of the SHLAA 1930 – 24.42ha parcel from south to north and the eastern location of Dibbinsdale LNR and Spital Field and southern edges of the parcel, may be at Open Space (36.41ha), part of which is also Electoral Wards: risk from flooding (9.27 ha) at risk from flooding

Clatterbridge Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Otherwise, the existing Green Belt boundary Landscape Character Area, where the quality would need amending to exclude 5-11 and and condition of the landscape is poor to 12-14 Venables Close (SP043A), to reflect moderate and the landscape strategy for the the existing pattern of development character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not The M53 Motorway could also potentially compromise wooded horizons, nature and provide an alternative strong boundary to a scale of farmsteads and rural character of the revised Green Belt, if SP043 was to be part of land a wider release of land to the east of the M53 Motorway Best and most versatile agricultural land –

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 75 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 35.6% Option 43.1 - SP043A could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to reflect Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - the existing pattern of development at 79.3% (51.34 ha), which includes Dibbinsdale Venables Close, as a boundary correction Site of Special Scientific Interest (part, 30.08 to the Green Belt ha); Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve (part); Priority Habitat – Or woodland and wetland; and Ancient & Semi- Natural Woodland Option 43.2 – SP043, with or without SP044, could, if needed, potentially be The parcel is also part of the nature proposed for release from the Green Belt, improvement area identified in the LCR to establish a revised Green Belt boundary Ecological Network along Poulton Road, with a capacity of up to 323 dwellings (21.51ha developable), Public rights of way (footpaths) cross the subject to the protection of existing parcel from Poulton Road to the west, to ponds, trees and woodland and Brotherton Park and to The Rake, Dibbinsdale SSSI Bromborough Or

Option 43.3 - SP043, alongside SP038 to SP040, SP042 and SP044, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Mount Road and the M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, to Thornton Common Road, with a capacity of up to 323 dwellings (21.51ha developable), subject to the protection of existing ponds, trees and woodland and Dibbinsdale SSSI

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 76 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Or

Option 43.4 – SP043, alongside SP038 to SP040, SP042 and SP044 to SP046, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Mount Road and the M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, to Eastham Rake, with a capacity of up to 323 dwellings (21.51ha developable), subject to the protection of existing ponds, trees and woodland and Dibbinsdale SSSI and LNR

Additional public open space would need to be provided in areas not within 400m of Dibbinsdale LNR and Spital Field (33.79ha), which could be protected as Urban Greenspace

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would require independent appraisal before release

SP044 – South of Poulton Hall Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Bromborough and the M53 Land to the south of Poulton Hall Road, east Part of a wider east- west strategic separation Motorway, enclosed by the existing urban of Raby Mere Road and west of Dibbinsdale between Bromborough and the M53 areas at Poulton-Spital, Brookhurst (at Doe’s Road, to the north of Raby Drive Motorway and between Bromborough and Meadow Wood and Dibbins Green) and Raby Settlement Area 7 – Heswall (5.3km distant) Drive but also forms part of a wider incursion of

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 77 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) countryside which separates the urban areas Agricultural land uses (pasture) Poulton Road and Poulton Hall Road could at Poulton Spital from Brookhurst (Kent Close, potentially form clear, strong boundaries to a 700m) and the existing outrigger of urban Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – revised Green Belt Bromborough and Eastham, between Poulton development at Raby Drive (north-south, 950m) Spital, Brookhurst and the Raby Drive Development would have no greater impact housing estate on the separation with Settlement Area 7 to Includes Poulton Hall and the collection of the west but could introduce a discordant out- ribbon development associated with 41.69 hectares rigger of urban development into the open Dibbinsdale Road countryside unless released with SP043 or as Urban enclosure – 56% part of a wider release to the east of the M53 Dibbinsdale Brook, part of which is SSSI, Motorway, which could potentially provide an meanders from west to east and south to Electoral Wards: alternative strong boundary to a revised north, along the southern and eastern edges Green Belt Clatterbridge of the parcel and part of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (4.70 ha.) Option 44.1 – SP044 alongside SP043 could, if needed, potentially be proposed Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley for release from the Green Belt, to Landscape Character Area, where the quality establish a revised Green Belt boundary and condition of the landscape is poor to along Poulton Road and Poulton Hall moderate and the landscape strategy for the Road, with a capacity of up to 341 character area is ‘enhance’. Any new dwellings (22.72ha developable), subject development should ensure that it does not to the protection of existing ponds and compromise wooded horizons, nature and woodlands and Dibbinsdale SSSI, which is scale of farmsteads and rural character of the also at risk of flooding land Or Best and most versatile agricultural land – 48.8% Option 44.2 – SP044 alongside SP038 to SP040, SP042 and SP043 could, if needed, Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area potentially be proposed for release from – 41.1% (17.15 ha), which includes the Green Belt, to establish a revised Dibbinsdale Site of Special Scientific Interest Green Belt boundary along Mount Road (part, 5.27 ha); The Marfords Site of Biological and the M53 Motorway to the south of

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 78 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Importance (No. 44); Priority Habitat – junction 4, to Thornton Common Road, woodland and wetland; and Ancient & Semi- with a capacity of up to 341 dwellings Natural Woodland (22.72ha developable), subject to the protection of existing ponds and The parcel is also part of the nature woodlands and Dibbinsdale SSSI, which is improvement area identified in the LCR also at risk of flooding Ecological Network Or

Option 44.3 – SP044 alongside SP038 to SP040, SP042, SP043, SP045 and SP046 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along Mount Road and the M53 Motorway to the south of junction 4, to Eastham Rake, with a capacity of up to 341 dwellings (22.72ha developable), subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodlands and Dibbinsdale SSSI, which is also at risk of flooding

Additional public open space may need to be provided in areas not within 400m of Diddinsdale LNR or Marford Woods (2.86ha), which could be protected as Urban Greenspace

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 79 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP045 – North of Raby Hall Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Raby Drive and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway to the Part of a wider east- west strategic separation Motorway, only part of which (to the west of south of Thornton Common Road, west of between Bromborough and Settlement Area 7 Raby Hall) is subject to glimpsed views from Blakeley Road and north of Raby Hall Road – Heswall (4.5km distant). The parcel also the M53 Motorway forms an important separation between the Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, existing outrigger of urban development at Development would have limited impact on arable and horse related facilities) Raby Drive and the M53 Motorway the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the (approximately 600m reducing to 300m in the west but would introduce a discordant out- Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – north) rigger of urban development into the open Bromborough and Eastham countryside unless part of a wider release to Includes Raby Mere and existing the east of the M53 Motorway, which could 35.30 hectares development at Raby Hall, Raby Hall potentially provide an alternative strong Cottages and Farm Cottage boundary to a revised Green Belt Urban enclosure - 26% Part of the parcel along the western boundary Only SHLAA 649 at Blakeley Road (SP045A), SHLAA 511 – 1.62ha and beside the stream that feeds Raby Mere which is largely enclosed by the existing SHLAA 648 – 2.90ha may be at risk from flooding (3.09 ha) urban area, Raby Mere Woodland and Raby SHLAA 649 – 3.68ha Hall, could potentially accommodate SHLAA 1947 – 10.29ha Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley development with a more limited impact on Landscape Character Area, where the quality openness and separation Electoral Wards: and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the Option 45.1 – SP045A at Blakeley Road Clatterbridge character area is ‘enhance’. Any new could, if needed, potentially be proposed development should ensure that it does not for release from the Green Belt, with a compromise wooded horizons, nature and capacity of up to 76 dwellings (3.38ha scale of farmsteads and rural character of the developable), subject to appropriate land design and boundary treatment

Best and most versatile agricultural land – Or 54.0% Option 45.2 – SP045 alongside SP038 to Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area SP040, SP042 to SP044 and SP046, could,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 80 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) – 62.8% (22.16 ha), which includes if needed, potentially be proposed for Dibbinsdale Site of Special Scientific Interest release from the Green Belt, to establish a (part, 1.48 ha), along the northern edge of the revised Green Belt boundary along Mount parcel; Raby Mere Site of Biological Road and the M53 Motorway to the south Importance (No. B43); Tom’s Paddock Site of of junction 4, to Eastham Rake, with a Biological Importance (No. B74); Priority capacity of up to 187 dwellings (12.46ha Habitat – woodland, wetland and grassland; developable), subject to the protection of and Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland existing ponds and woodland and Raby Mere and Raby Mere Woodland and Part of the parcel is within the Raby Mere Dibbinsdale SSSI, which are also at risk of WeBS Core Count area (4.5%) and may be flooding supporting habitat Raby Mere Woodland and Dibbinsdale The parcel is also part of the nature SSSI could be protected as Urban improvement area identified in the LCR Greenspace Ecological Network Additional public open space would need to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, the role of the site as supporting habitat, visual and landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

SP046 – South of Raby Hall Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Eastham and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway, to the Part of the wider east- west strategic Motorway, subject to occasional glimpsed south of Raby Hall Road, to the west of separation between Brookhurst and views from the M53 Motorway Brookhurst Avenue Settlement Area 7 – Heswall (5.4km distant); the wider strategic north- south and east-west Development would have limited impact on Agricultural land uses (pasture) separation between Settlement Area 4 – the separation with Settlement Area 7 to the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 81 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Bromborough and Eastham and Willaston in west but would introduce a discordant out- Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – Cheshire West and Chester (1.5km distant) rigger of urban development into the open Bromborough and Eastham and between Settlement Area 4 – countryside unless part of a wider release to 131.31 hectares Bromborough and Eastham and Neston the east of the M53 Motorway, which provide (4.7km distant) in Cheshire West and an alternative strong boundary to a revised Urban enclosure - 44% Chester; and the separation between Green Belt Brookhurst and the M53 Motorway (1.0km SHLAA 1948 – 100.62ha reducing to <400m in the south) Only the houses already built at 224-274 Brookhurst Avenue and 202-204 Eastham Electoral Wards: Includes Bromborough Golf Course, Rake (SP046A, 0.92ha) would potentially be Hargrave House Farm and an area of modern suitable for release from the Green Belt, Clatterbridge ribbon development to the west of without any significant impact on the open Dibbinsdale Brook along Brookhurst Avenue countryside towards Eastham Rake Option 46.1 – SP046A could be proposed Dibbinsdale Brook meanders south to north for release from the Green Belt, to reflect along the eastern boundary of the parcel, the existing pattern of development at along Plymyard Dale and part of the parcel Brookhurst Avenue and Eastham Rake, as may be at risk from flooding (4.82 ha) a boundary correction to the Green Belt

Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Or Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to Option 46.2 – SP046, alongside SP038 to moderate and the landscape strategy for the SP040 and SP042 to SP045, could, if character area is ‘enhance’. Any new needed, potentially be proposed for development should ensure that it does not release from the Green Belt, to establish a compromise wooded horizons, nature and revised Green Belt boundary along Mount scale of farmsteads and rural character of the Road and the M53 Motorway to the south land of junction 4, to Eastham Rake, with a capacity of up to 834 dwellings (55.63ha Best and most versatile agricultural land – developable), subject to the protection of 18.8% existing ponds and woodland and Plymyard Dale, which is also subject to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 82 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) risk of flooding Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 53.5% (70.21 ha), which includes Additional public open space would need Bromborough Golf Course Ponds Site of to be provided Biological Importance (No. 45); Hargrave House Farm Ponds Site of Biological Bromborough Golf Course (58.53ha) could Importance (No. 46); Plymyard Dale Site of be protected as Urban Greenspace Biological Importance (No. 47); Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland; and Ancient The impact of the loss of best and most & Semi-Natural Woodland versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact and highway and The parcel is also part of the nature transport capacity would also require improvement area identified in the LCR independent appraisal before release Ecological Network

A public right of way (footpath) runs from Raby Hall Road, at the north of the parcel, across the golf course and along the western boundary from where it connects to Benty Heath Lane on the other side of the M53 Motorway

There is limited vehicular access from the east across Plymyard Dale

SP047 – Eastham Rake Triangle Green Belt since December 1983 Remnant of wooded open land between the urban edge at Eastham and the M53 Land between Eastham Rake, the M53 Part of the wider strategic north-south and Motorway, with the existing tree canopy highly Motorway and the Liverpool to Chester east-west separation between Settlement visible from the M53 Motorway railway line Area 4 – Bromborough and Eastham and Willaston in Cheshire West and Chester The M53 Motorway could potentially provide Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – (1.2km distant) and between Settlement Area an alternative strong boundary to a revised Bromborough and Eastham 4 – Bromborough and Eastham and Neston Green Belt (4.7km distant) in Cheshire West and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 83 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Chester; the separation between Eastham 0.64 hectares Development would have no significant and the M53 Motorway (<100m); and the impact on separation or open countryside but separation between Eastham and Roften in Urban enclosure - 27% the site is subject to a Tree Preservation the Green Belt in Cheshire West and Chester Order and would form a discordant out-rigger (800m distant) SHLAA 650 – 0.51ha of urban development to the south of Eastham Rake Electoral Wards: Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Character Area, where the quality Option 47.1 – SP047 alongside SP048 and condition of the landscape is poor to Clatterbridge could, if needed, potentially be proposed moderate and the landscape strategy for the for release from the Green Belt, to character area is ‘enhance’. Any new establish a revised Green Belt boundary development should ensure that it does not along the M53 Motorway but retain SP047 compromise wooded horizons, nature and with SP048 undeveloped as Urban scale of farmsteads and rural character of the Greenspace land

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% (not relevant)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 100% (0.64 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

New railway station and railway station car park at Eastham Rake, to the immediate north, has been completed

SP048 – Lowfields, Eastham Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the mainly wooded remaining open land between the urban edge at Eastham and Land to the east of the M53 Motorway and the Part of the wider strategic east-west the M53 Motorway, with the existing tree Liverpool to Chester railway line, to the south separation between Settlement Area 4 – canopy highly visible from the M53 Motorway of Eastham Rake and west of Lowfields Bromborough and Eastham and Willaston in Avenue Cheshire West and Chester (1.4km) and The M53 Motorway could potentially provide between Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough an alternative strong boundary to a revised

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 84 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and Eastham and Neston (5.1km) in Green Belt Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 4 – Cheshire West and Chester; the separation Bromborough and Eastham between Eastham and the M53 Motorway Development would have no significant impact on separation but the land is held as 6.32 hectares (150m reducing to <50m in the south); and the separation between Eastham and Roften public open space and subject to risk of Urban enclosure - 51% in the Green Belt in Cheshire West and flooding and is not suitable for development Chester (500m) Electoral Wards: Option 48.1 - SP048 could, if needed, Parcel provides public open space which is potentially be proposed for release from Eastham also subject to a local biodiversity designation the Green Belt, with or without SP047 or SP049, to establish a revised Green Belt Crossed to the north by overhead electricity boundary along the M53 Motorway but cables and pylons retain SP048 undeveloped as Urban Greenspace Dibbinsdale Brook runs south to north across the middle of the parcel and a significant proportion of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (3.13 ha)

Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% (not relevant)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area -

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 85 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 98.7% (6.24 ha), which includes Lowfields Site of Biological Importance (No. 48); and Priority Habitat – woodland

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

A public right of way (footpath) crosses the parcel connecting Lowfields Aveune with Dale Hey, Hooton Road, on the other side of the M53 Motorway, in Cheshire West and Chester

New railway station and railway station car park at Eastham Rake, to the immediate north, has already been completed

SP049 – South of Mill Park Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Eastham and the M53 Land to the east of the M53 Motorway, to the Part of the wider north-south separation Motorway, at Mill Park south of Pickmere Drive and Kingsley between Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough Avenue, west of New Chester Road and Eastham and Ellesmere Port in Cheshire On their own, SHLAA 891, SHLAA 930, West and Chester (2km); the separation SHLAA 1769 and SHLAA 3002, would form Agricultural land uses between Eastham and the M53 Motorway discordant outriggers to the south of Mill Park (300m reducing to <50m in the west); and the but the M53 Motorway and New Chester Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 4 – separation between Eastham and Roften Road could potentially provide alternative Bromborough and Eastham (500m) between Eastham and Hooton, in the strong boundaries to a revised Green Belt Green Belt in Cheshire West and Chester 25.84 hectares (650m) Development would have limited impact on the separation with Ellesmere Port to the Urban enclosure - 41% Visually prominent from the M53 Motorway south but would be highly visible from the adjacent M53 Motorway in embankment SHLAA 891 – 8.72ha

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 86 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SHLAA 930 – 11.37ha Contains the complex of related buildings Option 49.1 – SP049 could, if needed, SHLAA 1769 – 2.65ha associated with the Travel Lodge, Starbucks potentially be proposed for release from SHLAA 3002 – 1.43ha and a garden nursery at New Chester Road the Green Belt, with or without SP048, to (SP049D) establish a new Green Belt boundary Electoral Wards: along the M53 Motorway and New Chester Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate Eastham Road, with a capacity of up to 307 Landscape Character Area, where the quality dwellings (20.45ha developable), subject and condition of the landscape is poor to to appropriate design and boundary moderate and the landscape strategy for the treatment and the protection of existing character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any ponds and woodlands new development should reinforce the rural farmland and parkland characteristics, Additional public open space would need maximise views across the River Mersey and to be provided in areas not within 400m of enhance and restore field boundaries and Lowfields (SP048, 5.22ha) hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban and industrial fringes should reduce the The impact of the loss of best and most prominence of visible urban edges through versatile agricultural land, visual and small scale woodland planting and orientation landscape impact, flood risk and highway of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in and transport capacity would also require views independent appraisal before release

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 91.3%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 12.8% (3.31 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

The eastern boundary is identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements in the UDP

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 87 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP050 – South West of Rivacre Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge at Eastham and the M53 Land to the north east of Junction 5 of the Along with SP051 to SP055 forms part of a Motorway, to the south of Eastham Village M53 Motorway, to the east of New Chester wider incursion of Green Belt between the Road and south of Eastham Village, west of urban residential areas in Settlement Area 4 – Development would have limited impact on Rivacre Road Bromborough and Eastham, the entrance to the separation with Ellesmere Port to the the Manchester Ship Canal and its associated south, which already joins the urban area at Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Tank Farm complexes and the adjoining Eastham along North Road and the and arable) industrial areas to the south of North Road in Manchester Ship Canal but would introduce a Ellesmere Port discordant out-rigger of urban development Adjacent to (south and east of) Settlement into the open countryside unless part of a Area 4 – Bromborough and Eastham Part of the wider north-south strategic wider release to the north and east of the M53 separation between Settlement Area 4 – Motorway, which could potentially provide an 46.84 hectares Bromborough and Eastham and Ellesmere alternative strong boundary to a revised Port in Cheshire West and Chester (2.1km Green Belt Urban enclosure - 4% distant reducing to 1.1km at the North Road industrial complex in the east); the east-west Development of SP050 would however also Electoral Wards: separation between the urban residential completely enclose Eastham Village with areas of Eastham, the Manchester Ship Canal urban development, with implications for the Eastham Tank Farm Complex (600m distant) and the status of Eastham Village (SP052) and land North Road industrial complex (1.1km further north (SP053, SP054 and SP055) as a distant); the separation between Eastham and continued part of the Green Belt the M53 Motorway (800m reducing to 400m in the west); and the separation between If not released for employment, the site could Eastham and Hooton in the Green Belt in accommodate up to 592 dwellings (39.45ha Cheshire West and Chester (700m) developable)

Contains some of the limited outbuildings Option 50.1 – Retain SP050 in the Green associated with Eastham Hall Belt

Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate Or Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to Option 50.2 – SP050 alongside SP049 and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 88 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) moderate and the landscape strategy for the SP051 to SP055 could, if needed, character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any potentially be proposed for release from new development should reinforce the rural the Green Belt, to establish a revised farmland and parkland characteristics, Green Belt boundary to the north of the maximise views across the River Mersey and M53 Motorway, with a capacity of up to 592 enhance and restore field boundaries and dwellings (39.45 developable), subject to hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban appropriate design and boundary and industrial fringes should reduce the treatment, the protection of existing ponds prominence of visible urban edges through and woodland and the impact on Eastham small scale woodland planting and orientation Village Conservation Area of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in views Additional public open space would need to be provided for dwellings not within Best and most versatile agricultural land – 400m of Torr Park (3.63ha) 55.4% The impact of the loss of best and most Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area versatile agricultural land, visual and – 13.5% (6.32 ha) of Priority Habitat – landscape impact, highway and transport woodland capacity and issues related to public safety would also require independent The northern part of the parcel (10.84ha, appraisal before release 23.2%) is within the 400m COMAH Public Information Zone for KANEB Terminals

The western boundary along New Chester Road is identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements in the UDP SP051 – North East of Rivacre Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land to the north and east of the M53 Motorway between the Land to the north east of Rivacre Road, south Along with SP050 and SP052 to SP055 forms urban edge at Eastham and the industrial of Bankfields Drive and the Manchester Ship part of a wider incursion of Green Belt area to the south of West Road in Ellesmere Canal Tank Farm Complex, to the north west between the urban residential areas in

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 89 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) of West Road Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough and Port Eastham, the entrance to the Manchester Agricultural land uses (arable) Ship Canal and its associated Tank Farm Potential employment site, given the proximity complexes and the adjoining industrial areas of the Manchester Ship Canal Tank Farms, to Adjacent to (south and east of) Settlement to the south of North Road in Ellesmere Port the north and east and existing industrial Area 4 – Bromborough and Eastham development at Hooton Park, to the south Part of the wider north-south and east-west 47.84 hectares strategic separation between Settlement Area Rivacre Road to the west or the M53 4 – Bromborough and Eastham and Motorway as part of a wider release alongside Urban enclosure - 58% Ellesmere Port in Cheshire West and Chester SP049 and SP050, could potentially provide (2.3km reducing to 1.1km at the North Road an alternative strong boundary to a revised SHLAA 1785 – 27.28ha (SP051A) industrial complex in the east); the east-west Green Belt SHLAA 1786 – 2.93ha separation between the urban residential SHLAA 1787 – 3.06ha areas of Eastham and the Manchester Ship Alternatively, while SHLAA 1786 and SHLAA Canal Tank Farm Complex (55m) and the 1787 would, on their own, form discordant Electoral Wards: North Road industrial complex (1.1km); the outriggers of urban development, the separation between the Manchester Ship remaining parts of the former airfield to the Eastham Canal Tank Farm Complex and the M53 north of West Road (the remainder of the land Motorway (800m); and the separation parcel to the east of SHLAA 1785, SP051B, between the Manchester Ship Canal Complex 20.02ha), could also provide land for and Hooton in the Green Belt in Cheshire additional employment development with West and Chester (1.3km) direct access to the M53 Motorway

Includes an outdoor racing track and Development of SP051 and/or SP051B would warehouse on an area of former airfield hard- have limited impact on the separation with standing at North Road and the small estate Ellesmere Port, which already joins the urban of former RAF housing at Merton Road and area at Easham along North Road and the Dudley Crescent (SP051A) Manchester Ship Canal, without significantly further compromising the east-west Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate separation between the urban residential Landscape Character Area, where the quality areas at Mill Park and the Manchester Ship and condition of the landscape is poor to Canal Complex, subject to any additional moderate and the landscape strategy for the impact on Eastham Village Conservation Area

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 90 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any Development of SP051 and/or SP051B would new development should reinforce the rural not, on their own, have implications for the farmland and parkland characteristics, status of Eastham Village (SP052) and the maximise views across the River Mersey and status of parcels further north (SP053, SP054 enhance and restore field boundaries and and SP055) as a continued part of the Green hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban Belt and industrial fringes should reduce the prominence of visible urban edges through Option 51.1 – SP051B could, if needed, small scale woodland planting and orientation potentially be proposed for release from of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in the Green Belt for additional employment views uses (5.81ha, developable), to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the Best and most versatile agricultural land – northern edge of the former Hooton Park 44.4% airfield, to the north of West Road, subject to appropriate design and boundary Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area treatment – 1.2% (0.59ha), which is a small area of Priority Habitat – woodland Or More than half the parcel falls within a Option 51.2 – SP051 could, if needed, COMAH Public Information Zone (PIZ) potentially be proposed for release from (26.51ha, 55.6%). The northern part of the the Green Belt for additional employment parcel (22.85ha) is within the 400m PIZ for uses (31.14ha, developable), to establish a KANEB Terminals and the eastern part of the revised Green Belt boundary along parcel (4.92ha) is within the 250m PIZ for Rivacre Road, subject to appropriate Eastham Refinery design and boundary treatment, the protection of existing ponds and woodlands and the impact on Eastham Village Conservation Area

Or

Option 51.3 – SP051 could, if needed,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 91 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt for additional employment uses (31.44ha, developable), alongside SP049, SP050 and SP052 to SP055, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary to the north of the M53 Motorway, subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodlands and the impact on Eastham Village Conservation Area

Or

Option 51.4 – SP051 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt for additional housing development, alongside SP049, SP050 and SP052 to SP055, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary to the north of the M53 Motorway, with a capacity of up to 467 dwellings (31.44ha developable), subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodlands, the impact on Eastham Village Conservation Area and the provision of additional public open space

Or

Option 51.5 – SP051 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt for mixed housing and employment development, with or without SP049, SP050 and SP052 to SP055, with a capacity of up to 380 dwellings (SP051A,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 92 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 25.33 ha developable) and up to 5. 81 ha of new employment development (SP051B), subject to the protection of existing ponds and woodlands, the impact on Eastham Village Conservation Area and the provision of additional public open space

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, visual and landscape impact, highway and transport capacity and issues related to public safety would also require independent appraisal before release

SP052 – Eastham Village Conservation Green Belt since December 1983 The existing developed areas of the village Area could potentially be identified as an Infill Along with SP053 to SP055 forms part of a Village or could potentially be released from Conservation village to the east of New wider incursion of Green Belt that separates the Green Belt with little impact on separation Chester Road associated with the junctions Wirral International Business Park and the or the open countryside between Eastham Village Road, Rivacre urban residential areas in Settlement Area 4 – Road, Stanley Lane and Ferry Road (to the Bromborough and Eastham (approximately Release from the Green Belt would also have south of St John’s Road) 500m to the west) from the Tank Farm implications for the status of parcels further complexes associated with the entrance to north (SP053, SP054 and SP055) as a Agricultural land uses (pasture) the Manchester Ship Canal continued part of the Green Belt

Adjacent to (east and west of) Settlement The urban residential areas and the Not releasing the village from the Green Belt Area 4 – Bromborough and Eastham Manchester Ship Canal are however already would prevent options that included the joined by development within this parcel and potential release of SP050 but would not 31.19 hectares by the more modern ribbon development at St prevent options that included the potential David Road, St Johns Road and Ferry Road release of SP049 or SP051 Urban enclosure - 46% to the immediate north (SP053) SHLAA 896 – 0.09ha Option 52.1 – Retain SP052 in the Green SHLAA 1785 (part) – 27.28ha Includes Torr Park and Malone Field Rugby Belt but, if needed, propose to identify a

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 93 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SHLAA 3028 – 0.11ha Ground new Infill Village in the Green Belt Electoral Wards: Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate Conservation Area controls would remain Landscape Character Area, where the quality in place but limited infill development Eastham and condition of the landscape is poor to could also be allowed within defined areas moderate and the landscape strategy for the of the village character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any new development should reinforce the rural Or farmland and parkland characteristics, maximise views across the River Mersey and Option 52.2 – SP052 could, if needed, enhance and restore field boundaries and potentially be proposed for release from hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban the Green Belt, alongside SP053 to SP055, and industrial fringes should reduce the to establish a revised Green Belt boundary prominence of visible urban edges through to the south of Eastham Village small scale woodland planting and orientation of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in Conservation Area controls would remain views in place but the additional presumption against development in the Green Belt Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% would be removed

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area Or – 14.7% (4.58ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland Option 52.3 – SP052 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from Public right of way (footpath) runs across the Green Belt, alongside SP053 to SP055 Malone Field Rugby Ground from New and SP049 to SP51, to establish a revised Chester Road to Eastham Village Road Green Belt boundary along the M53 The entire parcel is within the 400m COMAH Motorway Public Information Zone for KANEB Terminals (100%) Conservation Area controls would, again, remain in place but the additional The western boundary along New Chester presumption against development in the Road is identified as an area for Transport Green Belt would be removed

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 94 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Corridor Environmental improvements in the Open spaces such as Torr Park (3.63ha), UDP Malone Field (3.55ha) and St Marys Playing Field (1.18ha) could be protected as Urban UDP Policy CH10 – Eastham Village Greenspace in addition to Conservation Conservation Area, identifies principal Area controls planning objectives including maintaining a sense of separation between the village core Issues related to public safety would also and surrounding built-up area by retaining require independent appraisal before open spaces, such as Torr Park, Malone Field additional development could be permitted and St Mary’s playing field

SP053 – Eastham Village (Outside the Green Belt since December 1983 Existing developed area in the Green Belt Conservation Area) which is already identified as a Infill Village, Along with SP052, SP054 and SP055 forms which could potentially be extended with little Land at St David Road, St Johns Road, 43- part of a wider incursion of Green Belt that impact on separation or open countryside 115 and 82-144 Ferry Road, Seaview Avenue separates Wirral International Business Park and 1139-1163 New Chester Road (excluding (900m to the north) and the urban residential Land between 112 Ferry Road and 1 and 3 Eastham Conservation Area) areas in Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough Bankfield Drive (SHLAA 1929, SP053B, (500m to the west) from the entrance to the 0.40ha, capacity up to 10 dwellings, to reflect Adjacent to (between and linked to different Manchester Ship Canal and its associated existing densities); to the south of Seaview parts of) Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough Tank Farm complexes Avenue (SHLAA 1928, SP053A, 1.27ha, and Eastham capacity up to 30); at 1141 to 1163 New The urban residential areas and the Chester Road and 2 to 6 Eastham Village 14.30 hectares Manchester Ship Canal are however already Road (SP053C, 0.36ha); and to the north of joined both by lower density development Seaview Avenue (SP055C, 1.35ha, capacity Urban enclosure - 33% within the older Village to the south (SP052) up to 21 dwellings), could potentially be and by the more modern development within added to the Infill Village (SP053A) without SHLAA 1928 – 1.26ha this parcel to the north of Torr Park, along St significantly affecting any strategic separation SHLAA 1929 – 0.40ha David Road, St Johns Road, Ferry Road and or introducing discordant development into Seaview Avenue, which are already the open countryside Electoral Wards: designated as an Infill Village in the Green Belt in the UDP (see SP053A below) Alternatively, there may be potential to Eastham remove SP053 from the Green Belt alongside

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 95 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SP054 and SP055 or as part of a wider Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate release to the north of the M53 Motorway, Landscape Character Area, where the quality which could potentially provide an alternative and condition of the landscape is poor to strong boundary to a revised Green Belt moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any Option 53.1 – Subject to no change in the new development should reinforce the rural status of SP052, SP054 and SP055 an farmland and parkland characteristics, extended Infill Village could, if needed, be maximise views across the River Mersey and proposed to include SP053A and/or enhance and restore field boundaries and SP053B and/or SP053C and/or SP055C hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban and industrial fringes should reduce the Or prominence of visible urban edges through small scale woodland planting and orientation Option 53.2 – SP053 could, if needed, of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in potentially be proposed for release from views the Green Belt, alongside SP054 and SP055, to establish a revised Green Belt Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area boundary to the north of Eastham Village – 3.5% (0.5 ha) of Priority Habitat - woodland Or The entire parcel is within the 400m COMAH Public Information Zone for KANEB Terminals Option 53.3 – SP053 could, if needed, (100%) potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP052, SP054 The western boundary along New Chester and SP055, to establish a revised Green Road is identified as an area for Transport Belt boundary to the south of Eastham Corridor Environmental improvements in the Village UDP Or Seaview Avenue and land to the east of Ferry Road is within the Coastal Zone identified in Option 53.4 – SP053 could, if needed, the UDP potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt alongside SP049 to SP052,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 96 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SP054 and SP055, to establish a revised Green Belt boundary along the M53 Motorway

Issues related to public safety would require independent appraisal before additional development could be permitted

SP053A – Infill Village at St David’s Road, Green Belt since December 1983 Existing developed area in the Green Belt, not Eastham suitable for release from the Green Belt in Existing developed area between New isolation but which could potentially be Mature, suburban-style residential area Chester Road and the Manchester Ship Canal extended with little impact on separation or between New Chester Road and Ferry Road, to the immediate north of Eastham Village open countryside (in line with Option 53.1 to the immediate north of Eastham Village Conservation Area above) Conservation Area Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate Issues related to public safety would also Adjacent to (between and linked to different Landscape Character Area, where the quality require independent appraisal before any parts of) Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough and condition of the landscape is poor to additional development could be permitted and Eastham moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any 12.30 hectares new development should reinforce rural and parkland characteristics; maximise views Urban enclosure - 11% across the River Mersey; enhance and restore field boundaries and hedgerow trees; Electoral Wards: and reduce the prominence of visible urban edges through small scale woodland planting Eastham and orientation of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in views

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 1% (0.14ha)

The entire parcel is within the 400m COMAH

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 97 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Public Information Zone for KANEB Terminals (100%)

Seaview Avenue, the east of Ferry Road is within the Coastal Zone identified in the UDP

SP054 – Carlett Park Green Belt since December 1983 There may be potential to remove this parcel from the Green Belt alongside SP053 and Land to south of Wirral International Business Along with SP055, SP052 and SP053 forms SP055 or alongside SP052, SP053 and Park, east of New Chester Road, west of part of a wider incursion of Green Belt that SP055 or as part of a wider release to the Ferry Road and north of St David Road separates Wirral International Business Park north of the M53 Motorway, which could (900m to the north) and the urban residential potentially provide an alternative strong Adjacent to (south and east of) Settlement areas in Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough boundary to a revised Green Belt Area 4 – Bromborough and Eastham (700m to the west) from the entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal and its associated Option 54.1 – SP054 could, if needed, 116.08 hectares Tank Farm complexes potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP053 and Urban enclosure - 54% Includes the public facilities for outdoor sport SP055, to establish a revised Green Belt and recreation at the Leverhulme Sports boundary to the north of Eastham Village Electoral Wards: Ground, Eastham Country Park and Green Lane playing fields, Carlett Park Allotments, Or Eastham Carlett Park playing field and Eastham Lodge Bromborough Golf Course, Eastham Ferry Hotel, The Option 54.2 – SP054 could, if needed, Warrens Farm and an MOD Tank Farm potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP052, SP053 Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate and SP055, to establish a revised Green Landscape Character Area, where the quality Belt boundary to the south of Eastham and condition of the landscape is poor to Village moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any Or new development should reinforce the rural farmland and parkland characteristics, Option 54.3 – SP054 could, if needed, maximise views across the River Mersey and potentially be proposed for release from

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 98 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) enhance and restore field boundaries and the Green Belt alongside SP052, SP053 hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban and SP055 and SP049 to SP051, to and industrial fringes should reduce the establish a revised Green Belt boundary prominence of visible urban edges through along the M53 Motorway small scale woodland planting and orientation of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in Open spaces such as Leverhulme Sports views Ground (23.42ha), Eastham Country Park and Green Lane playing fields (41.10ha), Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Carlett Park Allotments (1.12ha), Carlett Park playing field (2.59ha) and Eastham The adjacent coastline is subject to national Lodge Golf Course (38.20ha) could be and international biodiversity designations protected as Urban Greenspace or as and a small part of the parcel that fronts onto Sports Grounds for Protection from the Mersey Estuary may be at risk from Development flooding (0.07 ha) Issues related to public safety would Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area require independent appraisal before any – 80.0% (92.88 ha), which includes Eastham additional development could be permitted Woods Site of Biological Importance (No. 50) to the south of the Major Developed Site at (part); Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland; and Carlett Park Priority Habitat – woodland

A small part of the parcel is within the New Ferry WeBS Core Count area (0.2%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Public right of way (bridlepath) crosses the northern part of the parcel, east to west along Green Lane, connecting Eastham Ferry and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 99 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the New Chester Road, Bromborough

Public right of way (footpaths) run along the coastal frontage of Eastham Country Park on the north eastern boundary of the parcel and the short distance from the northern boundary of the parcel to Green Lane (bridlepath) connecting Wirral International Business Park with Eastham Country Park and Eastham Ferry

The area of new housing development at Carlett Park was identified as a Major Developed Site in the Green Belt in the UDP (Proposal GB9/4, see SP054A below)

The southern parts of the parcel, to south of the Major Developed Site at Carlett Park (7.8ha, 6.7%), are within the 400m COMAH Public Information Zone for KANEB Terminals

The eastern boundary with the Mersey Estuary is within the Coastal Zone identified in the UDP

The western boundary along New Chester Road is identified as an area for Transport Corridor Environmental improvements in the UDP

SP054A – Major Developed Site at Carlett Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for removal from the Green Belt Park, Eastham in isolation but an amended developed area Part of the wider incursion of Green Belt that boundary could be identified to form a new

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 100 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) separates Wirral International Business Park Infill Village in the Green Belt without further Former Wirral Metropolitan College campus (600m to the north) and the urban residential significant impact on separation or openness on a free-standing site between New Chester areas in Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough Road and Ferry Road, now redeveloped for (400m to the west) from Eastham Village housing on the previously developed footprint (350m to the south) and the entrance to the Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Manchester Ship Canal and its associated Tank Farm complexes (250m to the east 5.06 hectares Enclosed by Eastham Lodge Golf Course, Urban enclosure - 0% Carlett Park playing field and Eastham Country Park Electoral Wards: Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate Eastham Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any new development should reinforce parkland characteristics, maximise views across the River Mersey, enhance and restore field boundaries and hedgerow trees and reduce the prominence of visible urban edges through small scale woodland planting and orientation of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in views

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 9% (0.43ha)

Eastham Country Park to the north east is subject to a local biodiversity designation and is a Priority Habitat

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 101 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP055 – East of Ferry Road, Eastham Green Belt since December 1983 Remaining area of open land overlooking the coast and the Queen Elizabeth Dock at the Land to east of Ferry Road, to the north of Along with SP054, SP052 and SP053 forms entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal Seaview Avenue between Ferry Road, the part of a wider incursion of Green Belt that Manchester Ship Canal and the coast separates Wirral International Business Park Land to the north of Seaview Avenue, (0.9km to the north) and the urban residential between the Queen Elizabeth Dock and Agricultural land uses (pasture) and memorial areas in Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough Eastham Lodge Golf Club (including SHLAA gardens (700m distant to the west) from the entrance 928 at Ferry Road and SHLAA 1588 at to the Manchester Ship Canal and its Mayfield Drive, combined as SP055C, Adjacent to (south, east and west of) associated Tank Farm complexes 1.35ha) could potentially be released from the Settlement Area 4 – Bromborough and Green Belt or added to the adjacent Infill Eastham Forms prominent high ground overlooking the Village (SP053), with no further impact on Mersey Estuary, the QEII Dock and the separation or open countryside 15.96 hectares entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal Alternatively, there may be potential to Urban enclosure - 36% The adjacent coastline is subject to national remove SP055 from the Green Belt alongside and international biodiversity designations SP052, SP053 and SP054 or as part of a SHLAA 928 – 1.24ha and a small part of the parcel that fronts the wider release to the north of the M53 SHLAA 1588 – 0.14ha Mersey Estuary may be at risk from flooding Motorway, which could potentially provide an (0.2 ha) alternative strong boundary to a revised Electoral Wards: Green Belt Includes properties at Lock Road, Mayfields Eastham Woodland Remembrance Park and some of Option 55.1 – Subject to no change in the the public outdoor recreation facilities status of SP052, SP053 and SP054, associated with the Eastham Ferry river SP055C could, if needed, be proposed to frontage and Eastham Country Park be included in an extended Infill Village, as part of SP053 Part of the Eastham Former Wooded Estate Landscape Character Area, where the quality Or and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the Option 55.2 - Subject to no change in the character area is ‘enhance and restore’. Any status of SP052, SP053 and SP054, new development should reinforce the rural SP055C could, if needed, potentially be

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 102 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) farmland and parkland characteristics, proposed for release from the Green Belt, maximise views across the River Mersey and with a capacity of up to 35 dwellings, enhance and restore field boundaries and subject to appropriate design and hedgerow trees. Changes along the urban boundary treatment and industrial fringes should reduce the prominence of visible urban edges through Or small scale woodland planting and orientation of buildings to reduce their scale and mass in Option 55.3 – SP055 could, if needed, views potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP052 to SP054, Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% to establish a revised Green Belt boundary (no relevant) to the south of Eastham Village

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area Or – 33.3% (5.32 ha), which includes Eastham Woods Site of Biological Importance (No. 50) Option 55.4 – SP055 could, if needed, (small part); and Priority Habitat – woodland potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt alongside SP052 to SP054 A small part of the parcel is within the New and SP049 to SP051, to establish a revised Ferry WeBS Core Count area (4.4%) and may Green Belt boundary along the M53 be supporting habitat Motorway

The parcel is also part of the nature Mayfields Woodland Remembrance Park improvement area identified in the LCR (7.44ha) could be protected as Urban Ecological Network Greenspace

The southern part of the parcel (1.46ha, Issues related to public safety would 9.1%), including a large part of SP055C, is require independent appraisal before any within the 400m COMAH Public Information additional development could be permitted Zone for KANEB Terminals to the south of Mayfields Woodland The whole parcel, including the eastern Remembrance Park boundary with the Mersey Estuary, is within the Coastal Zone identified in the UDP

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 103 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP056 – North of Station Road, Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Thurstaston Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 and Part of wider strategic separation between between Thurstaston and Irby and the Dee Land to the north of Station Road, Caldy and Heswall (2.8km) and the coastline Thurstaston between the Wirral Way and separation between Irby and the Thurstaston Telegraph Road to the south of Caldy coastline (1.9km) The majority of the parcel is therefore not (excluding Thurstaston Conservation Area) suitable for release from the Green Belt Contains Caldy Golf Club, Calday Grammar because of the impact on openness and Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing School Playing Fields and small areas of separation and arable) older ribbon development at Dawpool Cottages and the more modern properties at Otherwise, the existing Green Belt boundary Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 6 – 431-445 Telegraph Road. Also contains the would only potentially need amending, to West Kirby and Hoylake overflow car park for Wirral Country Park at exclude 3-5 Meadowgate and 6 Heatherleigh the coastal end of Station Road (SP056A, 0.30ha), towards the north west of 169.13 hectares the parcel and the rear gardens to 19-29 Croft The coastline to the west is of national and Drive East (SP056B, 0.97ha), to reflect the Urban enclosure - 35% international significance for biodiversity. existing pattern of development.

Electoral Wards: The majority of the parcel is part of the Dee Option 56.1 – SP056A could be proposed Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, for release from the Green Belt, to reflect West Kirby and Thurstaston where the quality and condition of the the existing pattern of development at landscape is good and the landscape strategy Meadowgate, as a boundary correction to for the character area is ‘conserve’. The the Green Belt wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development And/or could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban Option 56.2 – SP056B could be proposed edge. Development that rose above the tree for release from the Green Belt, to reflect line or was visible on the skyline would not be the existing pattern of development at consistent with the landscape character Croft Drive East, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt The small area of built development along the eastern edge of the parcel is part of the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 104 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 45.1%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 20.3% (34.31ha), which includes Thurstaston Common Site of Special Scientific Interest (part); Caldy Golf Course Site of Biological Importance (No. 6) (part); Wirral Way (Caldy-Thurstaston) Site of Biological Importance (No. 15) (part); Thurstaston Common Local Geological Site (No. 8) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland, heath and grassland

Part of the parcel is within the Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area (94.3%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 105 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Ecological Network

A public right of way (footpath) crosses the northern part of the parcel east to west from Telegraph Road to Croft Drive East

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP057 – Thurstaston Conservation Area Green Belt since December 1983 Existing rural village, not directly adjacent to any part of the urban area Rural conservation village to the west of Part of wider strategic separation between Telegraph Road, around the junction between Caldy and Heswall (2.8km) and the Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Station Road and Church Lane separation between Irby and the Thurstaston coastline (1.8km) The existing developed areas of the village Agricultural land uses (horse grazing) could, however, potentially be identified as an The majority of the parcel is part of the Dee Infill Village with little impact on separation or Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, the open countryside, subject to the impact on where the quality and condition of the the character and appearance of the 22.50 hectares landscape is good and the landscape strategy Conservation Area for the character area is ‘conserve’. The Urban enclosure - 0% wooded nature of settlement fringes and Option 57.1 – Retain SP057 in the Green ridgelines means some infill development Belt but, if needed, propose to identify a Electoral Wards: could be accommodated where woodland new Infill Village in the Green Belt, with would continue to screen views of the urban boundaries defined to minimise the impact West Kirby and Thurstaston edge. Development that rose above the tree on the landscape and the character and line or was visible on the skyline would not be appearance of the Conservation Area consistent with the landscape character

The northern area of the parcel is part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 106 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high ground it contributes to and maintains the impression of the character area being almost completely wooded

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 39.9% (8.98 ha), which includes Priority Habitat – woodland

A small part of the parcel is within the Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area (14.0%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

A public right of way (footpath) runs south from Church Lane in Thurstaston Village and connects with Oldfield Drive in Heswall

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

UDP Policy CH19 – Thurstaston Conservation Area, identifies principal planning objectives

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 107 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) including preserving the character of a traditional English Village and its historic agricultural buildings; preserving the setting of the Village’ public buildings; and maintain tree groups. New Development will not be permitted on the open area in front of St. Bartholomew’s Church

SP058 – South of Station Road, Green Belt since December 1983 Forms part of the separation between Thurstaston Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6 and Part of wider strategic separation between between Thurstaston, Irby and Pensby and Land to the south of Station Road, Caldy and Heswall (2.8km) and the the Dee coastline Thurstaston between the Wirral Way and separation between Irby and Pensby and the Telegraph Road, to the north of Oldfield Drive Thurstaston coastline (1.8km) The majority of the parcel is therefore not Heswall (excluding Thurstaston Conservation suitable for release from the Green Belt Area) Contains collection of buildings at Lee Farm, because of the impact on openness and Oldfield Farm and small areas of ribbon separation Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing development at Oldfield Drive and at the end and arable) of Pipers Lane Land at 90-92 Oldfield Road and 48-52 Oldfield Drive (SP058A, 0.79ha); and at the Adjacent to (north of) Settlement Area 7 – Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape rear of 87-91 Pipers Lane, between Pipers Heswall Character Area, where the quality and Lane and the Wirral Way (SP058B, 0.25ha) condition of the landscape is good and the could however potentially be released from 191.20 hectares landscape strategy for the character area is the Green Belt to reflect the existing pattern of ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement development Urban enclosure - 26% fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where Land at the end of Pipers Lane (SHLAA 642, SHLAA 642 – 1.64ha (SP058C) woodland would continue to screen views of SP058C; SHLAA 907, SP058D; including land SHLAA 907 – 1.29ha (SP058D) the urban edge. Development that rose above to the north of 103 Pipers Lane (SP058E, the tree line or was visible on the skyline 2.45ha), could also potentially be released Electoral Wards: would not be consistent with the landscape without any significant impact on separation West Kirby and Thurstaston character or open countryside, subject to any impact on Heswall biodiversity (SP058C and SP058D only)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 108 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Best and most versatile agricultural land – Option 58.1 – SP058A could be proposed 81.4% for release from the Green Belt, to reflect the existing pattern of development at The parcel is subject to numerous local Oldfield Drive, as a boundary correction to biodiversity designations. Heswall Dungeon is the Green Belt of national importance and the coastline to the west of national and international significance And/or

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area Option 58.2 – SP058B could be proposed – 7.7% (14.77 ha), which includes The for release from the Green Belt, to the rear Dungeon Site of Special Scientific Interest; of 87 to 91 Pipers Lane, as a boundary The Dungeon Site of Biological Importance correction to the Green Belt (No. 18); Piper’s Lane Site of Biological Importance (No. 19), which has recently been And/or reduced by 45%; Colley’s Farm Site of Biological Importance (No. 70); and Priority Option 58.3 – SP058C could, if needed, Habitat – woodland, wetland and grassland potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 18 The majority of the parcel is within the dwellings (1.04ha developable), subject to Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area appropriate design and boundary (97.1%) and may be supporting habitat treatment and the impact on biodiversity

The parcel is also part of the nature Or improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network Option 58.4 – SP058C, SP058D and SP058E could, if needed, potentially be The parcel is crossed east to west and north proposed for release from the Green Belt, to south by public rights of way between with a capacity of up to 62 dwellings Thurstaston and Heswall and the Wirral Way (3.45ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP treatment and the impact on biodiversity (Proposal LA2/2) Additional public open space would need

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 109 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, the role of the sites as supporting habitat and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

SP059 – West of Irby Road Green Belt since December 1983 Telegraph Road and Thurstaston Road could potentially form a clear, strong boundary to a Land to the east of Telegraph Road, to the Visually prominent parcel to the east of revised Green Belt to the west, without west of Irby Road, to the south of Thurstaston Telegraph Road. reducing the separation between Settlement Road and north of Mere Lane, Heswall Area 6 and Settlement Area 7 but the parcel Part of the wider north-west strategic also forms part of the remaining separation Agricultural land uses (horse grazing and separation between Caldy and Heswall between Irby and Pensby and Thurstaston arable) (2.8km) and the east-west separation and the Dee coastline between Irby and Pensby and the Thurstaston Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 – coastline (approximately 1.9km) The majority of the parcel is therefore not Heswall suitable for release from the Green Belt Contains in the north, the smaller collections because of the impact on openness and 95.20 hectares of buildings at Hill Farm and Thurstaston separation Road, Thurstaston Rectory, Irby Hall (also a Urban enclosure - 52% Scheduled Monument) and in the south, the The release of SP059 would also have SHLAA 1764 – 0.65ha (SP059C) Major Developed Site at the Pensby High implications for the status of SP060, to the SHLAA 1765 – 0.78ha (SP059B) Schools (UDP Proposal GB9/5, see SP059A east SHLAA 1766 – 0.78ha (SP059D) below) and Heswall Cemetery SHLAA 1775 – 4.16ha (SP059E) Land between 39 and 73 Thurstaston Road SHLAA 1783 – 3.09ha The majority of the parcel is part of the (SHLAA 1765, SP059D; SHLAA 1764, SHLAA 1784 – 4.31ha Pensby and Irby Urban Fringe Landscape SP059C; and SHLAA 1766, SP059B) could, SHLAA 1980 – 1.09ha Character Area, where the quality and however, potentially be released from the condition of the landscape is moderate and Green Belt without any significant impact on Electoral Wards: the landscape strategy for the character area separation or open countryside Pensby and Thingwall is’ enhance’. Any change should ensure that it

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 110 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) West Kirby and Thurstaston respects the existing field patterns and should Additional land at 73-87 Thurstaston Road Greasby, Frankby and Irby aim to improve the appearance of urban could also potentially be released (SP059F), fringes through localised woodland planting without any further significant impact on and restoration of hedgerow boundaries separation, subject to the release of SP059A, SP059B, SP059C and SP009A The small area to the north of the parcel is part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Land to the rear of Irby Hall (SHLAA 1775, Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, SP059E) could also potentially be released where the quality and condition of the from the Green Belt without any significant landscape is good and the landscape strategy impact on separation, although no strong for the character area is ‘conserve’. New boundary can be identified to the west Development should conserve the existing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows SHLAA 1783 and 1784 at Telegraph Road and be set within mature wooded framework would, on their own, form isolated islands of and ensure that when viewed from high development, poorly related to the existing ground it contributes to and maintains the urban area and SHLAA 1980 would appear as impression of the character area being almost a discordant outrigger to the south of completely wooded Townshend Avenue

Best and most versatile agricultural land – Option 59.1 – SP059B at 41 Thurstaston 57.0% Road could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area with a capacity of up to 18 dwellings – 6.1% (5.79 ha), which includes Backford (0.67ha developable), subject to Road Pond Site of Biological Importance (No. appropriate design and boundary 12); and Priority Habitat – woodland. The treatment former Rectory Site of Biological Importance (No. 75) has recently been deleted. Or

The south and west of the parcel is within the Option 59.2 – SP059B and SP059C at 41-59 Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area Thurstaston Road could, if needed, (59.7%) and may be supporting habitat potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 33

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 111 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) dwellings (1.25ha developable) , subject to The parcel is also part of the nature appropriate design and boundary improvement area identified in the LCR treatment Ecological Network Or A public right of way crosses the parcel from Thurstaston roundabout to Irby Village Option 59.3 – SP059B, SP059C and SP059D at 41-71 Thurstaston Road could, Northern areas to the east of Thurstaston if needed, potentially be proposed for Road are identified as part of a wider Area of release from the Green Belt, with a Special Landscape Value in the UDP capacity of up to 42 dwellings (1.76ha (Proposal LA2/2) developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment

Or

Option 59.4 – SP059F, at 73-87 Thurstaston Road could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP059B and SP059C and SP059D, with a capacity of up to 62 dwellings (2.80ha developable), subject to the additional release of SP009B

And/or

Option 59.5 – SP059E to the rear of Irby Hall could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 85 dwellings (3.77ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment, the protection of biodiversity,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 112 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the public footpath between Irby Road and Dawlish Road and the adjacent Scheduled Ancient Monument

Additional public open space would need to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

SP059A – Major Developed Site at Pensby Green Belt since December 1983 Located within the open area between Schools Pensby and Telegraph Road and between Visually prominent part of the parcel to the Pensby and Dee Coast. Not suitable for Existing built footprint of existing high school east of Telegraph Road release from the Green Belt in isolation. complex, to the west of Irby Road, Pensby Includes the community sports hall and floodlit Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 – outdoor sports pitches to the rear of the Heswall Pensby Boys School

5.06 hectares Part of the Pensby and Irby Urban Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality Urban enclosure - 31% and condition of the landscape is moderate and the landscape strategy for the character Electoral Wards: area is’ enhance’. Any change should aim to improve the appearance of urban fringes Pensby and Thingwall through localised woodland planting and restoration of hedgerow boundaries

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 2% (0.08ha)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 113 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Land to the immediate west is within the Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area and may be supporting habitat

SP060 – South of Thingwall Road Green Belt since December 1983 Almost entirely enclosed by the existing urban area, between Irby and Pensby (within the Land to the south of Thingwall Road, east of Outrigger of Green Belt between the urban same Settlement Area). Woodside Road, Porto Hey Road and Irby areas of Irby and Pensby linked to main area Road, north of Somerset Road, Pensby and of Green Belt to west of Irby Road via a 250m Irby Road could potentially form a clear, west of Exmoor Close gap between South Hey Road (Irby) and strong boundary to a revised Green Belt and Somerset Road (Pensby) development would have no impact on the Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing landscape to the north or west or on the and arable) Arrowe Brook runs north across the middle of separation with Settlement Area 5 or the parcel from Woodlands Road through Settlement Area 6. Adjacent to (outrigger within) Settlement Area Harrock Wood, which is subject to a local 7 – Heswall biodiversity designation and part of the parcel Harrock Wood could be protected as Urban may be at risk from flooding (1.03 ha) Greenspace 62.37 hectares Part of the Pensby and Irby Urban Fringe Alternatively, the existing boundary to the Urban enclosure - 93% Landscape Character Area, where the quality Green Belt could potentially be amended, to SHLAA 892 – 9.14ha and condition of the landscape is moderate reflect the existing pattern of development at SHLAA 895 – 0.98ha and the landscape strategy for the character 92-126 Thingwall Road (SP060A, 1.24ha); the SHLAA 1546 – 1.78ha area is ‘enhance’. Any change should ensure rear gardens at 126a-138 Thingwall Road SHLAA 1932 – 21.86ha that it respects the existing field patterns and (SP060B, 0.26ha); and at 7-19 Woodlands SHLAA 1979 – 1.89ha should aim to improve the appearance of Road and 2-4 Drayton Close (SP060C, urban fringes through localised woodland 0.44ha) Electoral Wards: planting and restoration of hedgerow Pensby and Thingwall boundaries On their own: SHLAA 892, would form a Greasby, Frankby and Irby discordant outrigger to the east of Harrock Best and most versatile agricultural land – Wood; SHLAA 1546 and SHLAA 1979, at Irby 95.6% Road, isolated islands of development; and SHLAA 895, to the rear of Irby Farm, would Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area -

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 114 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 4.3% (2.71 ha), which includes Harrock Wood be poorly related to the existing urban area Site of Biological Importance (No. 11); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland SHLAA 1932, which would only introduce development in the area to the north of Harrock Wood also forms part of the nature Arrowe Brook, adjacent to Irby village, would improvement area identified in the LCR however still maintain an element of physical Ecological Network distinction between Irby and Pensby

The parcel is criss-crossed by public rights of Option 60.1 – The properties at 92-126 way between Irby Village, Glenwood Drive, Thingwall Road (SP060A) could be Exmoor Close and Woodlands Road proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

And/or

Option 60.2 – The rear gardens at the rear of 126a-138 Thingwall Road (SP060B) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

And/or

Option 60.3 – The properties at 7-19 Woodlands Road and 2-4 Drayton Close (SP060C) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

Or

Option 60.4 – SP060D could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 115 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the Green Belt (comprising only SHLAA 895 and SHLAA 1932), with a capacity of up to 340 dwellings (22.73ha developable), subject to the protection of Harrock Wood, the river corridor and the public footpaths that cross the area

Additional public open space would need to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, flood risk and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

Or

Option 60.5 – SP060 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 846 dwellings (56.42ha developable), subject to the protection of Harrock Wood, the river corridor and the public footpaths that cross the site

Additional public open space would need to be provided

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, flood risk and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 116 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) release

SP061 – North of Gills Lane, Thingwall Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge and Barnston Road, which could Land to the north of Gill’s Lane, Thingwall, to Part of a wider expanse of open countryside potentially form a clear, strong boundary to a the south of Barnsdale Avenue, east of between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the revised Green Belt without any significant Barnston Road and west of Gwendoline Close Bidston Wrexham railway line but is already impact on the strategic separation with urban partially enclosed to the east by the areas of Settlements to the west of the M53 Motorway Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, more modern development designated as an arable and horse related facilities) Infill Villages at Woodlands Drive and On their own, however, SHLAA 883, to the Overdale Avenue (Proposal GB7/1), west of Thorncroft Drive; and SHLAA 882, Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 7 – Holmwood Avenue and the Major Developed enclosed between Thorncroft Drive and the Heswall Site at Murrayfield Hospital (Proposal GB9/3) Riding Centre; would form an extended, discordant outrigger of urban development; 35.53 hectares Contains Cross Hill Reservoir, the ribbon of and SHLAA 881, between Barnston Road and residential properties at Thorncroft Drive and the Riding Centre; and SHLAA 932, to the Urban enclosure - 42% the Riding Centre at Gills Lane south of the Reservoir; would form discordant SHLAA 881 – 7.35ha development, poorly related to the existing SHLAA 882 – 0.82ha Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural urban area SHLAA 883 – 3.99ha Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the SHLAA 932 – 2.81ha quality and condition of the landscape is Option 61.1 – SP061 could, if needed, moderate and the landscape strategy for the potentially be proposed for release from Electoral Wards: character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in the Green Belt, with or without SP062, with Pensby and Thingwall the landscape should respect the rural a capacity of up to 271 dwellings (18.09ha character of Barnston and Landican and developable), subject to appropriate reflect their association with farming. Changes design and boundary treatment and the along the urban fringe could have a positive protection of ponds and woodland effect on character if they increase screening of urban features with tree planting Additional public open space would need to be provided Best and most versatile agricultural land – 60.0% The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and highway

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 117 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and transport capacity would also require Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area independent appraisal before release – 2.3% (0.82 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

SP062 – West of Barnston Road Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open land between the urban edge and Barnston Road, which could Land to the south of Gills Lane, Thingwall, Part of a wider expanse of open countryside potentially accommodate new development east of Pensby Road, west of Barnston Road between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the without any significant impact on the strategic and north of Whitfield Lane, Heswall Bidston Wrexham railway line, to the east of separation with urban Settlements to the west (excluding Barnston Village Conservation Barnston Village of the M53 Motorway but which would merge Area) with and enclose Barnston Village from the Contains large complex of buildings at west Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Carnsdale Farm, Heswall Primary School and and arable) a small area of ribbon development at 65-79 Would not be suitable for release from the Barnston Road Green Belt independently of SP061, to the Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 7 – immediate north Heswall Prenton Brook runs west to east across the northern part of the parcel towards Barnston Alternatively, boundary amendments could 136.06 hectares Dale and is subject to a local biodiversity potentially be made at Pensby House Farm designation and a small part of the parcel may (SP062B, 0.18ha); Heswall Primary School Urban enclosure - 59% be at risk from flooding (0.37 ha) (SP062C, 2.31ha); and 65-79 Barnston Road (SHLAA 877 – 8.40ha) (SP062D, 0.56ha), to reflect the pattern of SHLAA 884 – 17.76ha Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural existing development SHLAA 1946 – 22.38ha Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the SHLAA 1955 – 13.24ha (part) quality and condition of the landscape is Only the smaller area to the north of Whitfield SHLAA 1956 – 50.31ha moderate and the landscape strategy for the Lane (formerly SHLAA 877, SP062E, 8.40ha, SHLAA 1981 – 11.57ha character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in now part of SHLAA 1956), could potentially be the landscape should respect the rural developed without any significant impact on Electoral Wards: character of Barnston and Landican and separation, although no strong boundary is reflect their association with farming. Changes apparent to the north. Pensby and Thingwall along the urban fringe could have a positive Heswall effect on character if they increase screening SHLAA 884, at Gills Lane; SHLAA 1946, at Pensby Road/ Belmont Drive; SHLAA 1955,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 118 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) of urban features with tree planting at Beech Farm; SHLAA 1956, at Carnsdale

Farm; and SHLAA 1981, at Downham Road Best and most versatile agricultural land – North; would, on their own, form discordant 51.4% outriggers of urban development

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area SHLAA 1955, at Beech Farm, would also – 6.0% (8.16ha), which includes Barnston need be considered in relation to the impact Dale Site of Biological Importance (No. 30); on Barnston Village Conservation Area and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland (SP063)

Public rights of way (footpaths) run south from Option 62.1 – The properties at 23A Barnston Village to Whitfield Lane, Heswall Downham Road North and Pensby House and a short distance from the east of the Farm (SP062B) could be proposed for parcel on Barnston Road along Barnston Dale release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

And/or

Option 62.2 – The property at Heswall Primary School (SP062C) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

And/or

Option 62.3 – The properties at 65-79 Barnston Road (SP062D) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

And/or

Option 62.4 – SP062E, to the north of

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 119 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Whitfield Lane, could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 126 dwellings (8.40ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, flood risk, landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

And./or

Option 62.5 – SP062A could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP061, with a capacity of up to 266 dwellings (17.76ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of Barnston Dale and woodland

Or

Option 62.6 – SP062 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, alongside SP061, with a capacity of up to 1,882 dwellings (125.47ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment and the protection of Barnston Dale, ponds and woodlands

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 120 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Additional public open space would need to be provided in areas more than 400m away from Whitfield Common or Ridgewood Park

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, flood risk, landscape impact and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

SP063 – Barnston Village Conservation Green Belt since December 1983 The existing developed areas of the village Area could potentially be identified as an Infill Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Village with little impact on separation or open Rural conservation village, around the between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the countryside, subject to the impact on the junction between Barnston Road and Storeton Bidston Wrexham railway line character and appearance of the Lane Conservation Area Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the Subject to a decision about the future status quality and condition of the landscape is of SP062, a decision would also potentially be 6.71 hectares moderate and the landscape strategy for the needed about whether to establish a revised character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in Green Belt boundary to the east or west of the Urban enclosure - 0% the landscape should respect the rural Conservation Area SHLAA 870 – 2.76ha (part) character of Barnston and Landican and SHLAA 1955 – 13.24ha (part) reflect their association with farming. Changes Option 63.1 – Retain SP063 in the Green along the urban fringe could have a positive Belt but, if needed, propose to identify a Electoral Wards: effect on character if they increase screening new Infill Village in the Green Belt, with Pensby and Thingwall of urban features with tree planting boundaries defined to minimise the impact on the landscape and the character and Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% appearance of the Conservation Area

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area Or – 8.1% (0.54 ha), which includes Barnston

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 121 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Dale Site of Biological Importance (No. 30) Option 63.2 – Subject to a decision about (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland the future status of SP062, retain SP063 in the Green Belt and propose to establish a Two public rights of way (footpaths) run from revised Green Belt boundary to the west of Barnston Road in the centre of the parcel and the Conservation Area link with a footpath connecting to Whitfield Lane, Heswall to the south Or UDP Policy CH21 – Barnston Village Option 63.3 – Subject to a decision about Conservation Area, identifies principal the future status of SP062, propose to planning objectives including preserving the release SP063 from the Green Belt and domestic scale and quiet character of an establish a revised Green Belt boundary to historic rural village; retaining unifying the east of the Conservation Area features such as historic farm buildings, stone walls and mature trees; preserving the Conservation Area controls would remain wooded scenic corridor north of the village; in place but the additional presumption and retaining the character, setting and group against development in the Green Belt value of imposing buildings in spacious would be removed grounds around the Church precincts The boundaries to any new urban area would need to be defined to minimise the impact on the landscape and on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area

SP064 – South of Storeton Lane, Barnston Green Belt since December 1983 Open countryside to the east of Barnston village Land to the west of Barnston Road, to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside north of Whitehouse Lane and east of the between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Bidston Wrexham railway line, to the south of Bidston Wrexham railway line because of the impact on openness and the Storeton Lane, Barnston (excluding Barnston strategic separation between Settlement Area Village Conservation Area) Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural 7 and the urban Settlements to the west of the Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 122 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) quality and condition of the landscape is M53 Motorway Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing moderate and the landscape strategy for the and arable) character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in SHLAA 870, would need be considered in relation to the impact on Barnston Village Adjacent to (north of) Settlement Area 7 – the landscape should respect the rural Conservation Area (SP063) and no strong Heswall character of Barnston and Landican and reflect their association with farming. Changes boundary is apparent to the east 84.81 hectares along the urban fringe could have a positive effect on character if they increase screening SHLAA 1771 would potentially remove a Urban enclosure - 10% of urban features with tree planting residential garden from the Green Belt without any impact on separation or open SHLAA 870 – 2.76ha (part) Best and most versatile agricultural land – countryside, which would apply equally to the SHLAA 1771 – 0.20ha 14.3% adjacent property at 35 Whitehouse Lane SHLAA 1982 – 7.89ha (SP064D) (SP064B, 0.20ha) and a similar amendment Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area could potentially also be made at Barnston Electoral Wards: – 1.5% (1.23 ha), which includes Priority Road (SP064C, 0.11ha), to reflect the existing Habitat – woodland and wetland pattern of development Pensby and Thingwall Heswall Only part of SHLAA 1982, to the rear and south of Greenheys Cottages (SP064E, 5.36ha), would potentially have a limited impact on openness and the separation with Barnston Village, to the north

Option 64.1 – The rear gardens at 33-35 Whitehouse Lane (SP064B) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

Option 64.2 – The rear garden to 100 Barnston Road (SP064C) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

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Option 64.3 – SP064E could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with or without SP062, with a capacity of up to 107 dwellings (4.76ha developable), subject to appropriate design and boundary treatment, the protection of woodland, provision of additional public open space and the independent appraisal of highway and transport capacity

SP065 – South of Landican Green Belt since December 1983 Open countryside to the east of Thingwall

Land to the west of Barnston Road, to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Not suitable for release from the Green Belt north of Storeton Lane, west of the Bidston between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the because of the impact on openness and the Wrexham railway line, to the south of Bidston Wrexham railway line separation between Woodchurch, Prenton Landican Road and Landican Lane (excluding and Thingwall Barnston Village Conservation Area) The northern part of the parcel contains the southern parts of Landican Village including Landican village and additional areas of Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, Old Hall Farm and The Farm at Thingwall existing development at Holmwood Drive, arable, horse related facilities and horticulture Holmwood Avenue and along Storeton Lane, (glasshouses)) The southern parts of the parcel contains the could, however, potentially be included in new loosely linked collection of developed areas or extended Infill Villages in the Green Belt Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 7 – including the Major Developed Site at Heswall Murrayfield Hospital (UDP Proposal GB9/3, Landican village could also potentially be see SP065K below) and the Infill Villages at extended without any further impact on 191.22 hectares Overdale Avenue and Woodlands Drive (UDP separation, at SHLAA 861 (SP065B), a Proposal GB7/1, see SP065L and SP065N greenfield site which would extend the Urban enclosure - 14% below), some additional un-designated ribbon existing built-up area by up to 27% or by up to development at Holmwood Avenue and the 30 dwellings, subject to any impact on the SHLAA 861 – 1.11ha lower density ribbon development along wider landscape SHLAA 871 – 2.51ha Storeton Lane including the Barnston Dale SHLAA 931 – 1.38ha An extended Infill Village along Storeton Lane

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 124 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) SHLAA 938 – 1.40ha Youth Centre could also potentially include SHLAA 871 SHLAA 1821 – 0.66ha (SP065C), to the west of Woodcroft, without (SHLAA 1925 – 1.70ha) Prenton Brook (Barnston Dale) runs south- any additional impact on separation or open SHLAA 1927 – 0.71ha west to north-east across southern and countryside, with a capacity of up to 50 SHLAA 1958 – 10.95ha eastern parts of the parcel behind Storeton dwellings, subject to any impact on Barnston Lane and part of the parcel may be at risk Village Conservation Area Electoral Wards: from flooding (1.33ha) A boundary amendment could also potentially Pensby and Thingwall Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural be made at Thingwall Grange, to reflect the Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the pattern of existing development (SP065D, quality and condition of the landscape is 0.09ha) moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is enhance. Any change in the SHLAA 931, to the south of the Basset Hound landscape should respect the rural character PH; SHLAA 938, to the rear of 76-77 of Barnston and Landican and reflect their Barnston Road; and SHLAA 1821, to the rear association with farming. Changes along the of 101-105 Barnston Road, would form urban fringe could have a positive effect on discordant outriggers of urban development; character if they increase screening of urban and SHLAA 1958, to the north of the Spire features with tree planting Murrayfield Hospital and SHLAA 1927, would form isolated islands of development in the Best and most versatile agricultural land – open countryside 22.5% Option 65.1 – Propose, if needed, to Barnston Dale and the Murrayfield Hospital identify a new Infill Village at Landican grounds are subject to local biodiversity Village, with boundaries defined to designations minimise the impact on the wider landscape Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 16.4% (31.33 ha), which includes Barnston Option 65.2 – Propose, if needed, to Dale Site of Biological Importance (No. 30) identify a new Infill Village at Landican (part); Murrayfield Hospital Site of Biological Village, to include SP065B with a capacity Importance (No. 31); Lower Heath Wood Site of up to 30 dwellings, with boundaries of Biological Importance (No. 73); and Priority defined to minimise the impact on the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 125 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Habitat – woodland and wetland wider landscape Public rights of way (footpaths) run from And/or Landican Village to Barnston Road and Lower Thingwall Lane; link Storeton Lane to Option 65.3 – Propose, if needed, to Holmwood Drive; and runs from Lower extend the existing Infill Village at Storeton Thingwall Lane, east across the parcel Lane, west, to include properties up to and towards Storeton Village. A bridlepath also including Woodcroft and Fairfield, with or links Holmwood Drive to Lower Thingwall without SP065C with a capacity of up to 50 Lane dwellings, subject to the protection of Barnston Dale woodland

And/or

Option 65.4 – Propose, if needed, to extend the existing Infill Village at Woodlands Drive, north, to include the properties along Holmwood Drive and Holmwood Avenue

And/or

Option 65.5 – The rear gardens at 1-4 Thingwall Grange (SP065D) could be proposed for release from the Green Belt, as a boundary correction to the Green Belt

SP065K – Major Developed Site at Green Belt since December 1983 Forms a prominent part of the open Murrayfield Hospital, Thingwall countryside to the east of Thingwall Part of the wider expanse of open countryside Private hospital in large wooded grounds, in between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the Not suitable for release from the Green Belt isolated location to the west of Cross Hill Bidston Wrexham railway line because of the impact on openness and the Reservoir, with access from a private drive separation between Thingwall and the M53

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 126 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) from Lower Thingwall Lane Motorway and the urban areas beyond Prenton Brook (Barnston Dale) runs along the south-eastern boundary and may be at risk Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area from flooding. 8.59 hectares Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural Urban enclosure - 0% Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is Electoral Wards: moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is enhance. Any change in the Pensby and Thingwall landscape should respect the rural character of the area, with urban features to be screened with tree planting

The hospital grounds are subject to a local biodiversity designation

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 60% (5.14ha), which includes Murrayfield Hospital Site of Biological Importance (No. 31); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

SP065L – Infill Village at Overdale Avenue, Green Belt since December 1983 Located within the open countryside to the Thingwall east of Thingwall Part of the wider expanse of open countryside Mature, suburban-style, free-standing between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the Not suitable for release from the Green Belt residential area on Storeton Road, between Bidston Wrexham railway line because of the impact on openness and the Barnston Village and the Bidston Wrexham separation between Thingwall and the M53 railway line Lies adjacent to Barnston Dale Activity Centr e Motorway and the urban areas beyond and lower density residential development in Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area large grounds, to the east along Storeton Additional areas of existing development Lane along Storeton Lane, could, however, potentially be included in new or extended

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 127 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Infill Village in the Green Belt (Option 65.3 4.14 hectares Prenton Brook (Barnston Dale), including an above refers) old sewage works on lower ground accessed Urban enclosure - 0% from Private Drive runs along the north- eastern boundary and may be at risk from SHLAA 1489 – 0.09ha flooding SHLAA 1971 – 0.06ha Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural Electoral Wards: Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is Pensby and Thingwall moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is enhance. Any change in the landscape should respect the rural character of the area, with urban features screened with tree planting

The Murrayfield Hospital grounds, to the immediate north are subject to a local biodiversity designation

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 3% (0.12ha) runs along the north-western boundary

SP065N – Infill Village at Woodlands Drive, Green Belt since December 1983 Located within the open countryside to the Thingwall east of Thingwall Part of the wider expanse of open countryside Mature, suburban-style, free-standing between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the Not suitable for release from the Green Belt residential area between Barnston Road and Bidston Wrexham railway line because of the impact on openness and the Barnston Dale, to the north of Barnston separation between Thingwall and the M53 Village Prenton Brook (Barnston Dale) runs along the Motorway and the urban areas beyond south-eastern boundary and may be at risk Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area from flooding Additional areas of existing development at Holmwood Drive and Holmwood Avenue,

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 128 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) could, however, potentially be included in a 10.33 hectares Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural new or extended Infill Village in the Green Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the Belt (Option 65.4 above refers) Urban enclosure - 0% quality and condition of the landscape is moderate and the landscape strategy for the Electoral Wards: character area is enhance. Any change in the landscape should respect the rural character Pensby and Thingwall of the area, with urban features screened with tree planting

Barnston Dale, to the south and west, is subject to local biodiversity designations

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 26% (2.70) including Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland run within and around the existing developed area

SP066 – East of Arrowe Park Road, Green Belt since December 1983 Open countryside to the south of Woodchurch Landican Forms part of a prominent open hillside to the Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Land to the south of Woodchurch Road, east south of Woodchurch because of the impact on openness and the of Arrowe Park Road, north of Landican Road separation between Woodchurch, Prenton and west of Landican Lane Part of a wider expanse of open countryside and Thingwall to the west of the M53 Motorway between the Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing M53 Motorway and Settlement Area 7 – Landican village could potentially be identified and arable) Heswall as an Infill Village in the Green Belt

Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 5 – Contains the northern parts of Landican SHLAA 1954, to the south of Woodchurch, Mid-Wirral and (north east of) Settlement Area Village including Home Farm, Landican would, however, form a discordant outrigger 7 – Heswall Cemetery and Landican Allotments of urban development in the open countryside, poorly related to the existing 80.39 hectares Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural urban area Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 129 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) quality and condition of the landscape is Urban enclosure - 20% Option 66.1 – Propose, if needed, to moderate and the landscape strategy for the identify a new Infill Village at Landican character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in (SHLAA 856 – 2.05ha) Village, with or without SP065B, with the landscape should respect the rural SHLAA 1954 – 29.17ha boundaries defined to minimise the impact character of Barnston and Landican and on the wider landscape Electoral Wards: reflect their association with farming. Changes along the urban fringe could have a positive Pensby and Thingwall effect on charcter if they increase screening of urban features with tree planting Best and most versatile agricultural land – 51.5%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 8.9% (7.12 ha), which includes Priority Habitat – woodland

Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

SP067 – East of Landican Lane, Landican Green Belt since December 1983 Open countryside to the west of Prenton, on the opposite side of the M53 Motorway Land to the south of Woodchurch Road, to the Forms part of prominent open hillside to the east and north of Landican Lane, to the west south of Woodchurch, east of Landican Not suitable for release from the Green Belt of the M53 Motorway and the Bidston to because of the impact on openness and the Wrexham railway line Part of a wider expanse of open countryside separation between Woodchurch, Prenton to the west of the M53 Motorway between the and Thingwall Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing M53 Motorway and Settlement Area 7 – and arable) Heswall SHLAA 1945, to the south of Woodchurch, would form a discordant outrigger of urban Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 5 – Contains the gas governor station at development in the open countryside, poorly Mid-Wirral and (west of) Settlement Area 3 – Woodchurch Road related to the existing urban area

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 130 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Suburban Birkenhead Prenton Brook runs south to north along the south-eastern boundary to a culvert under the 53.47 hectares Motorway and a small part of the parcel may Urban enclosure - 40% be at risk from flooding (0.26 ha)

SHLAA 1945 – 13.16ha Part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the Electoral Wards: quality and condition of the landscape is moderate and the landscape strategy for the Pensby and Thingwall character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in the landscape should respect the rural character of Barnston and Landican and reflect their association with farming. Changes along the urban fringe could have a positive effect on character if they increase screening of urban features with tree planting

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 17.8% (9.54 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and grassland

SP068 – Stanley Wood Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the east of the Bidston Wrexham Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston railway line and west of the M53 Motorway, to between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, not directly adjacent to the north of Station Road Wrexham railway line, to the east of any part of the urban area. Settlement Area 7 - Heswall Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Overhead electricity pylons and cables run Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area north-south along the western boundary

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65.87 hectares A tributary to Prenton Brook runs south to north across the middle of the parcel Urban enclosure - 0% The majority of the parcel is part of the Electoral Wards: Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and Clatterbridge condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is conserve. This character area is sensitive to any changes which would reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

A small area to the north of the parcel is part of the Landican and Thingwall Rural Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any change in the landscape should respect the rural character of Barnston and Landican and reflect their association with farming. Changes along the urban fringe could have a positive effect on character if they increase screening of urban features with tree planting

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 10.4% (ha), which includes Stanley Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. 34); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 132 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

A public right of way (footpath) runs east to west across the middle of the parcel linking Little Storeton and Thingwall and a bridlepath runs east to west across the north of the parcel on Landican Lane linking Little Storeton and Landican Village

SP069 – North of Brimstage Road Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the north of Whitehouse Lane and Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Brimstage Road, to the east of the Bidston between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line Wrexham railway line and west of the M53 Wrexham railway line, to the east of Motorway, to the south of Station Road Settlement Area 7 – Heswall The existing developed areas at Brimstage village could, however, potentially be Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Contains smaller areas of development at Ley identified as an Infill Village in the Green Belt, and arable) Farm and along Brimstage Road, at White without any further impact on separation or House, Whitehouse Cottage, Whitehouse open countryside, which could include Adjacent to (north east of) Settlement Area 7 - Farm, Fairfield, Brooklet Farm Springfield properties at Greenbank, Iveston Farm, Heswall Cottage, Rose Cottage, the northern parts of Brimstage Lane, Brimstage Hall (in SP076, to Brimstage Village and a small area of ribbon the south of Brimstage Road) and Home 315.00 hectares development at Brimstage Lane Farm (SHLAA 863 in SP077, to the east), which could include parts of SHLAA 862 Urban enclosure - 1% Overhead electricity pylons and cables run north-south along the western boundary Areas of SHLAA 862, to the north of SHLAA 862 – 6.95ha Greenbank would, however, represent a The Clatter Brook runs across the south of the discordant intrusion into the open countryside Electoral Wards: parcel and a small part of the parcel may be to the north and west of the village at risk from flooding (6.92 ha) Clatterbridge Option 69.1 – Propose, if needed, to The majority of the parcel is part of the identify a new Infill Village in the Green Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Belt at Brimstage village, to include Character Area, where the quality and existing properties along Brimstage Road, condition of the landscape is good and the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 133 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) landscape strategy for the character area is Brimstage Lane and Greenbank ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive to any changes which would reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

A small area (1.50 ha.) to the east of the parcel is part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 24.8%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 8.5% (26.83 ha), which includes Priority Habitat – woodland, wetland and grassland. The former Rake Hey Covert Pond Site of Biological Importance (No. 35) has recently been deleted

The southern edges of the parcel and the Lever Causeway are identified as part of an Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

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SP070 – East of Barcombe Road Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the north of Brimstage Road, to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston east of the Bidston Wrexham railway line, to between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line the south of Whitehouse Lane Wrexham railway line, to the east of Settlement Area 7 - Heswall Bidston Wrexham railway line provides a clear Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) dividing line between the urban area in Contains the buildings associated with Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the open Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 7 - Dunster House, Cloverley and Westwood Hall countryside, to the east Heswall Overhead electricity pylons and cables run 19.20 hectares north-south across the middle of the parcel

Urban enclosure - 13% Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality Electoral Wards: and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area Clatterbridge is conserve. This character area is sensitive to any changes which would reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 98.9%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 2.0% (0.38 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

SP071 – East of Chester Road, Gayton Green Belt since December 1983 Remaining open area between Gayton and (urban) Barnston but highly enclosed by the Land to the west of the Bidston Wrexham Outrigger of Green Belt to the east of the existing urban area and could potentially be railway line, to the east of Chester Road, released on its own without any significant

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 135 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Gayton and to the south of Brimstage Road, Bidston Wrexham railway line impact on strategic separation Broadmead and Fox Cover Road No strategic separation function but separates Bidston Wrexham railway line provides a clear Agricultural land uses (horse grazing and the southern parts of urban Barnston from the dividing line between the urban area in arable) urban parts of Gayton to the west of Chester Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the open Road (approximately 300m) countryside, to the east and could potentially Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 7 - form a clear, strong boundary to a revised Heswall Contains Gayton Park, Chester Road Playing Green Belt Fields and the industrial complex in the Green 28.12 hectares Belt at Darlington’s Yard Option 71.1 – SP071 could, if needed, potentially be proposed for release from Urban enclosure - 73% Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland the Green Belt, with a capacity up to 281 Landscape Character Area, where the quality dwellings (18.71ha developable), subject SHLAA 878 – 4.33ha and condition of the landscape is good and to appropriate design and boundary SHLAA 1549 – 10.74ha the landscape strategy for the character area treatment SHLAA 1767 – 2.15ha is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive SHLAA 1817 – 0.49ha to any changes which would reduce the local Additional public open space would need distinctiveness of villages or increase the to be provided in areas not within 400m of Electoral Wards: prominence of roads or urban edges Gayton Park (3.37ha), which could be protected as Urban Greenspace Heswall Best and most versatile agricultural land – 29.4% Gayton Park (Heswall AFC) (1.14ha) and Chester Road Playing Field (0.64ha) could Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - be protected as Urban Greenspace or as 0.8% (0.22 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland Sports Grounds for Protection from and wetland Development

The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and highway and transport capacity would also require independent appraisal before release

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 136 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP072 – West of Manor Road, Thornton Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Hough Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Land to east of the Bidston Wrexham railway between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, which provides a clear line and Chester High Road, to the south of Wrexham railway line, to the east of dividing line between the urban area in Brimstage Road, west of Manor Road and Settlement Area 7 - Heswall Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the open north of Parkgate Lane and Neston Road Contains the collections of buildings at Old countryside, to the east Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Lane, New Hall Farm and New Hall Manor, and arable) Lodge Farm, Hesketh Grange, Thornton SHLAA 1961, at Lodge Farm, to the north of Manor, Copley House and the area of more Oxford Drive, could potentially be added to Adjacent to (east of) Settlement Area 7 - modern housing development at Oxford Drive the existing Infill Village, with limited impact Heswall and the Historic Park and Garden at Thornton on separation Manor 285.82 hectares SHLAA 1788 and SHLAA 1882 at New Hall, Overhead electricity pylons and cables run Chester Road and SHLAA 3027 at Willow Urban enclosure - 13% north-south across the middle of the parcel Bank House, would introduce isolated and adjacent to Eton Drive discordant urban development into the open SHLAA 1788 – 1.49ha countryside, poorly related to the urban area SHLAA 1882 – 1.04ha Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland SHLAA 1961 – 1.92ha Landscape Character Area, where the quality Option 72.1 – Propose, if needed, to SHLAA 3027 – 0.22ha and condition of the landscape is good and extend the existing Infill Village at Oxford the landscape strategy for the character area Drive, to include land to the immediate Electoral Wards: is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive north, at Lodge Farm (SHLAA 1961), to any changes which would reduce the local subject to landscape impact and highway Clatterbridge distinctiveness of villages or increase the and transport capacity prominence of roads or urban edges

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 69.4%

Ponds and woodlands within the parcel are

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 137 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) subject to local biodiversity designations

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 14.7% (42.02 ha), which includes Manor Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. 32); Thornton Hough Ponds Site of Biological Importance (No. 33); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

A public right of way (footpath) runs north east to south west across the parcel from Manor Road to Chester High Road

The areas to the east of the parcel are identified as part of a wider Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

The area of more modern development at Oxford Drive is already designated as an Infill Village in the UDP (Proposal GB7/3) Not suitable for release from the Green Belt SP072A – Oxford Drive Infill Village Green Belt since December 1983 but could form part of a revised Infill Village Mature, suburban-style, free-standing Part of the wider expanse of open countryside which could include SHLAA 1961, at Lodge residential area to the west of Thornton between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Farm, to the north of Oxford Drive (in line with Hough along Neston Road Wrexham railway line, between Thornton Option 72.1 above) and/or land at Thornton Hough and Settlement Area 7 - Heswall Hall Hotel (in line with Option 74.1 below) with Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area limited impact on openness or separation Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland 9.00 hectares Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and Urban enclosure - 0% the landscape strategy for the character area

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 138 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive Electoral Wards: to any changes which would reduce the local Clatterbridge distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

Areas to the east are identified as part of a wider Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

SP073 – South of Parkgate Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt

Land between the Borough boundary and Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Parkgate Lane to the east of Chester High between the M53 Motorway and Willaston between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Road and west of Neston Road and Neston in Cheshire West and Chester Wrexham railway line, not directly adjacent to and part of a larger parcel extending further to any part of the urban area Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) the south between Liverpool Road and Chester High Road including Ashfield Farm Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area and ribbon development along Liverpool Road in Cheshire West and Chester 28.51 hectares Contains the buildings associated with Urban enclosure - 0% Westwood Farm and Westwood Grange Country Club Electoral Wards: Overhead electricity pylons and cables run Heswall across the north east corner of the parcel

Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is conserve. This character area is sensitive to any changes which would reduce the local

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 139 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 66.9%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 5.0% (1.42 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

SP074 – South of Thornton Hough Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt

Land to the east of Neston Road, east and Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Part of the extensive tract of open countryside north of Raby Road, to the south of Thornton between the M53 Motorway and Willaston between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Hough Conservation Area, to the Borough and Neston in Cheshire West and Chester Wrexham railway line, not directly adjacent to boundary (excluding Thornton Hough and part of a larger parcel extending further to any part of the urban area. Conservation Area) the south between Upper Raby Road and SHLAA 1951 would introduce discordant Liverpool Road to the north of Chester High urban development into the open countryside Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, Road in Cheshire West and Chester to the south of Thornton Hough and remove arable and horse related facilities) the separation between Thornton Hough and Contains the buildings associated with the Infill Village at Oxford Drive, with Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Thornton Hall Hotel and the Woodville implications for the character and setting of Kennels and Cattery 103.06 hectares Thornton Hough Conservation Area, adjacent Overhead electricity pylons and cables run The smaller area (formerly SHLAA 858), Urban enclosure - 0% across the south western edge of the parcel between Thornton Hough and Woodville SHLAA 632 – 0.34ha The majority of the parcel is part of the Raby Kennels and Cattery; and SHLAA 632, which (SHLAA 858 – 2.05ha) Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, is already enclosed by existing development SHLAA 1951 – 19.41ha where the quality and condition of the along Raby Road, form part of an existing landscape is moderate to good and the ‘tongue’ of development that could, however, Electoral Wards: landscape strategy for the character area is potentially be added to the existing Infill conserve or conserve and enhance. Future Village at Thornton Hough without any significant impact on the separation with

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 140 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) changes need to respect the rural and remote Raby village or open countryside, subject to Clatterbridge character and maintain the agricultural the impact on the setting of the Conservation landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any Area changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate Land at Thornton Hall Hotel could also character of villages would have a detrimental potentially be added to the existing Infill effect on character Village at Oxford Drive, with limited additional impact on separation or open countryside A small area to the north of the parcel is part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Option 74.1 – Propose, if needed, to Landscape Character Area, where the quality extend the existing Infill Village at Oxford and condition of the landscape is good and Drive, to include land to the east of Neston the landscape strategy for the character area Road, at Thornton Hall Hotel is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive to any changes which would reduce the local And/or distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges Option 74.2 – Propose, if needed, to extend the existing Infill Village at Best and most versatile agricultural land – Thornton Hough, to include existing 100% development to the south east of the Village along Raby Road, subject to the Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area impact on Thornton Hough Conservation – 4.7% (4.79 ha) of Priority Habitat – Area and appropriate design and boundary woodland and wetland treatment, to minimise any additional visual impact on the open countryside A public right of way (footpath) runs east to west across the parcel from Raby Village providing a link to Liverpool Road

The north western parts of the parcel are identified as part of a wider Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 141 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP075 – Thornton Hough Conservation Green Belt since December 1983 Existing rural village, not directly adjacent to Area any part of the urban area Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Rural conservation village, around the between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Not suitable for release from the Green Belt junctions between Neston Road, Smithy Hill, Wrexham railway line, to the east of Manor Road, Raby Road and Thornton Settlement Area 7 – Heswall The boundary to the Infill Village could, Common Road however, potentially be reviewed, for Designated as Infill Village in the UDP example, to include the allotment gardens at Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area (Proposal GB7/3) Smithy Hill and land between Hill Top Farm and Wessex (SHLAA 945), without any 15.01 hectares Part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland significant impact on separation or open Landscape Character Area, where the quality countryside, subject to any impact on the Urban enclosure - 0% and condition of the landscape is good and character and appearance of the the landscape strategy for the character area Conservation Area SHLAA 945 – 0.16ha is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive SHLAA 1964 – 0.86ha to any changes which would reduce the local Option 75.1 – Propose, if needed, to review distinctiveness of villages or increase the the existing Infill Village at Thornton Electoral Wards: prominence of roads or urban edges Hough, subject to the impact on the setting and character and appearance of Clatterbridge Best and most versatile agricultural land – Thornton Hough Conservation Area 0.8% (not relevant) Conservation Area controls would remain Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area in place and limited infill development – 5.5% (0.82 ha) of Priority Habitat – would only be allowed within defined woodland areas of the village A public right of way (footpath) runs from Thornton Common Road to Grange Drive and provides a link to Brimstage to the north

Conservation Area Policy CH15 - identifies principal planning objectives including retaining a compact settlement pattern within

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 142 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the setting of a historic country estate. Priority will be given to retaining the open character of Thornton Hough Recreation Ground to preserve the visual setting of the Village from Neston Road Part of a wider Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

SP076 – East of Manor Road, Thornton Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Hough Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Land to the south of Brimstage Road, to the between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any east of Manor Road, Thornton Hough, to the Wrexham railway line, to the east of part of the urban area west of Mount Road and Clatterbridge Road, Settlement Area 7 - Heswall to the north of Thornton Common Road SHLAA 865, to the north and west of the (excluding Thornton Hough Conservation Contains the southern parts of Brimstage existing Major Developed Site at Clatterbridge Area) Village and smaller collections of buildings at Hospital (26.12ha), while generally enclosed Wirral Manor House, Rocklands Farm, by woodland and tree-lined estate roads, Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Grange Farm, Crofts Bank and Westmead; would introduce, large scale, discordant urban and arable) and encloses the Major Developed Site at development into the open countryside and Clatterbridge Hospital (26.1 hectares, would extend the area of the developed site Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Proposal GB9/2, see SP076A below) by 160%

293.23 hectares The Clatter Brook runs across the north east SHLAA 1964, at Hill Top Farm, to the north of of the parcel and a part of the parcel may be Thornton Hough, would also introduce a Urban enclosure - 0% at risk from flooding (20.35 ha) discordant outrigger of urban development into the open countryside with implications for SHLAA 860 – 5.64ha The southern and western area of the parcel the setting of Thornton Hough Conservation SHLAA 864 – 1.97ha is part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Area SHLAA 865 – 41.88ha Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and The existing developed areas at Brimstage Electoral Wards: the landscape strategy for the character area village could, however, potentially be is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive identified as part of an Infill Village in the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 143 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) to any changes which would reduce the local Green Belt, without any further impact on Clatterbridge distinctiveness of villages or increase the separation or open countryside, which could prominence of roads or urban edges potentially include all or part of SHLAA 864 at Brimstage Hall The north eastern area of the parcel is part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Option 76.1 – Propose, if needed, to Character Area, where the quality and identify a new Infill Village in the Green condition of the landscape is poor to Belt at Brimstage village, to include moderate and the landscape strategy for the existing properties along Brimstage Road, character area is ‘enhance’. Any new Brimstage Lane and Greenbank development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 90.9%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 6.7% (19.52 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

A network of public rights of way cross the parcel connecting Thornton Hough Village, Brimstage Village and Clatterbridge Hospital

A public right of way (bridlepath) runs from Thornton Common Road on the south of the parcel to Brimstage Road on the north west

Public rights of way (footpaths) run across the south east of the parcel crossing the bridlepath and linking Clatterbridge Hospital

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 144 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and Thornton Hough Village; north from Thornton Hough Village, to connect with the bridlepath running north and south east; and south from Brimstage Village, to connect with the bridlepath running north west and south east

The whole parcel (excluding the Major Developed Site at Clatterbridge Hospital) is identified as part of an Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

SP076A – Major Developed Site at Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Clatterbridge Hospital Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Well-defined, largely enclosed built complex between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Large, intensively developed hospital within the wider expanse of open countryside Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any complex, providing specialist regional, sub- between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston part of the urban area regional and district medical services, Wrexham railway line, between Settlement including hospice care Area 4 –Bromborough and Eastham and Vacant previously developed land within the Settlement Area 7 – Heswall complex (SHLAA 2050) would already be Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area appropriate for redevelopment in line with The designated Major Developed Site already national policy, subject to design and flood 26.21 hectares closely reflects the boundaries to the existing risk developed area Urban enclosure - 0% The only opportunity to amend the existing The Clatter Brook runs across part of the site, developed area, without any further impact on SHLAA 2050 – 4.75ha bisecting SHLAA 2050 and may be at risk separation or open countryside, would be to from flooding (21%, 5.44 ha) include the external access roads and the Electoral Wards: existing developed area at Drayton Motors Part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley (SHLAA 2073, in SP111 adjacent), to follow Clatterbridge Landscape Character Area, where the quality the eastern boundary to Mount Road. and condition of the landscape is poor to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 145 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons or the rural character of the area

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 7% (1.92ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

The area surrounding the Major Developed Site forms part of an Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

SP077 – East of Brimstage Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt

Land to the west of the M53 Motorway to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Part of the extensive tract of open countryside south of Brimstage Lane and north of between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Brimstage Road Wrexham railway line, to the east of Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Settlement Area 7 - Heswall part of the urban area. Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Contains the eastern parts of Brimstage The existing developed area at Brimstage Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Village associated with Home Farm; and the village (SHLAA 863) could, however, smaller collection of buildings at Sitch potentially be identified as part of a new Infill 56.08 hectares Cottages and Tile Cottages at Junction 4 of Village in the Green Belt, without any further the M53 impact on separation or open countryside Urban enclosure - 0% The Clatter Brook runs to the south of the Option 77.1 – Propose, if needed, to SHLAA 863 – 1.56ha parcel and a small part of the parcel may be identify a new Infill Village in the Green at risk from flooding (3.23 ha) Belt at Brimstage village, to include Electoral Wards: existing properties along Brimstage Road, The majority of the parcel is part of the Brimstage Lane and Greenbank Clatterbridge Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 146 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor to moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

A small area (5.4%) to the west of the parcel is part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive to any changes which may reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 96.3%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 4.9% (2.73 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland A public right of way (footpath) runs north to south across the western section of the parcel between Brimstage Lane and Brimstage Road The western part of the parcel, west of and including the Lever Causeway, is identified as part of an Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 147 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP078 – North of Thornton Common Road Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the south and east of Clatterbridge Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Road, to the west of the M53 Motorway and between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any north of Thornton Common Road Wrexham railway line, to the east of part of the urban area. Settlement Area 7 – Heswall Agricultural land uses (arable) Contains Thornton Common and the Wirral Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Club playing fields at Thornton Common Road 51.16 hectares Clatter Brook, which is of national and local Urban enclosure - 0% importance for biodiversity, meanders west- east across the middle of the parcel and part Electoral Wards: of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (2.27 ha) Clatterbridge The northern area of the parcel is part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor - moderate and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

The southern area of the parcel is part of the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 148 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) any changes which would reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the prominence of roads or urban edges

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 22.4% (11.46 ha), which includes Dibbinsdale Site of Special Scientific Interest (part, 2.82 ha); Old Sewage Works Site of Biological Importance (No. 41); Thornton Common Site of Biological Importance (No. 42); Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland; and Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

SP079 – West of Thornton Hough Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the south of Thornton Common Road Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston to the north of Raby Mere Road, east of Raby between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Road and west of Willaston Road (excluding Wrexham railway line, to the east of part of the urban area. Thornton Hough Conservation Area) Settlement Area 7 - Heswall SHLAA 874 between the existing Infill Village Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing, Contains the buildings associated with (in SP084 adjacent) and Raby Road could, arable and horse related facilities) Strawberry Farm, Grove Cottages, Groveside however, potentially be added to the existing Cottages, Raby Vale and Raby Vale Cottages Infill Village, without any significant impact on Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area and Thornton Farm separation or open countryside

111.53 hectares The Mere Brook runs across the southern part SHLAA 1970, part of the taped-off paddocks

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 149 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) of the parcel and a small part of the parcel to the immediate north of Raby Village, is Urban enclosure - 0% may be at risk from flooding (1.87 ha) however more clearly part of the open SHLAA 874 – 0.44ha countryside, with no clear boundary to the The majority of the parcel is part of the SHLAA 1970 – 0.71ha north and would appear as a discordant Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape intrusion into the open countryside. Electoral Wards: Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the Option 79.1 – Propose, if needed, to Clatterbridge landscape strategy for the character area is extend the existing Infill Village at Raby, to ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive to include the remaining land between the any changes which would reduce the local existing Infill Village and Raby Road distinctiveness of villages or increase the (SHLAA 874) prominence of roads or urban edges

The southern area of the parcel is part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 19.8% (22.05 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 150 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

The majority of the parcel, to the north of the Mere Brook, including all these developed areas, is identified as part of an Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/4)

SP080 – North of Raby Mere Road Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the west of the M53 Motorway to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston south of Thornton Common Road, east of between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Willaston Road, and north of Raby Mere Road Wrexham railway line, to the east of part of the urban area. Settlement Area 7 - Heswall Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing and arable) Contains the buildings at Brook Farm, Mere SHLAA 3004, to the south of Pear Tree Farm Brook House, The Foxes, Oakwood Farm and on Willaston Road would form an isolated, Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Willows Farm along Thornton Common Road discordant intrusion of urban development and Dibbin Cottage, Pear Tree Farm and the within the open countryside. 66.53 hectares Tranmere Rovers Training Ground along Willaston Road Urban enclosure - 0% Mere Brook runs east to west across the SHLAA 3004 – 5.60ha middle of the parcel, and a small part of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (2.39 ha) Electoral Wards: The north western area of the parcel is part of Clatterbridge the Thornton Hough Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. This character area is sensitive to any changes which would reduce the local distinctiveness of villages or increase the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 151 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) prominence of roads or urban edges

The south eastern area of the parcel is part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 86.1%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 11.3% (7.51 ha), which includes Dibbinsdale Site of Special Scientific Interest (part, 3.03 ha); Priority Habitat – woodland; and Ancient & Semi-Natural Woodland

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

SP081 – Raby Hall Farm Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the west of the M53 Motorway, to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston south of Raby Mere Road, east and north of between the M53 Motorway and Neston in Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 152 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Raby Hall Road Cheshire West and Chester part of the urban area.

Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Contains the complex of buildings at Raby Hall Farm, Three Stacks and Raby Hall Farm Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area bungalows

19.78 hectares A stream that feeds Raby mere runs west- east across the southern part of the parcel Urban enclosure - 0% and the area to the immediate west of the Motorway and a small part of the parcel may Electoral Wards: be at risk from flooding (0.85 ha)

Clatterbridge Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 92.5%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 9.2% (1.81 ha), which includes Raby Mere Site of Biological Importance (No. 43) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 153 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP082 – West of Hargrave Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the south of Raby Mere Road, east of Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Willaston Road, to the north of Benty Heath between the M53 Motorway and Willaston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Lane and west of Raby Hall Road and and Neston in Cheshire West and Chester part of the urban area. Hargrave Lane Contains Hargrave Hall Farm and Hargrave Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Lane Cottages

Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area A stream that feeds Raby Mere runs south west to north east across the parcel and a 105.18 hectares small part to the north east of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (0.60 ha) Urban enclosure - 0% Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Electoral Wards: Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to Clatterbridge good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 11.4% (11.98 ha), which includes Benty Heath Lane Ponds Site of Biological

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 154 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Importance (No. B28) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland

SP083 – North of Willow Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the south of Raby Mere Road, west of Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Willaston Road, to east of Willowbrow Road between the M53 Motorway and Willaston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any and north of Willow Lane and Neston in Cheshire West and Chester part of the urban area. Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Contains the buildings associated with Willowbrow Farm Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape 56.18 hectares Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to Urban enclosure - 0% good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and Electoral Wards: enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the Clatterbridge agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100%

SP084 – Raby Village Green Belt since December 1983 Existing rural village, not directly adjacent to any part of the urban area Rural village at the junction between Raby Part of a wider expanse of open countryside Road, Raby Mere Road and Willowbrow Road between the M53 Motorway and Neston in Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Cheshire West and Chester and part of a

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 155 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) larger parcel of open countryside extending Agricultural land uses (pasture) There may, however be potential to extend further to south towards Willaston and Neston the existing Infill Village, between the existing in Cheshire West and Chester Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area developed area of the village and Raby Road (SHLAA 874), in SP079 adjacent and/or by Designated as Infill Village in the UDP 4.71 hectares including an existing developed area to the (Proposal GB7/4) south (SHLAA 1953) in SP085, without any Urban enclosure - 0% Contains buildings associated with Peartree significant impact on separation or open countryside (Option 79.1 and Option 85.1 SHLAA 947 – 0.22ha Farm, White House Farm, Grange Farm and Hillyard Farm refers) Electoral Wards: Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Option 84.1 – Propose, if needed, to extend the existing Infill Village at Raby, to Clatterbridge Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to include appropriate sites immediately good and the landscape strategy for the adjacent to the existing developed area character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100% (not relevant)

SP085 – West of Willowbrow Road Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land between Raby Road, Willowbrow Road Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston and the Borough boundary between the M53 Motorway and Neston in Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Cheshire West and Chester and part of a part of the urban area. Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) larger parcel of open countryside extending

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 156 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) further to the south to Quarry Road and Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area SHLAA 1953, an existing developed area to Lydiate Lane in Cheshire West and Chester the south of Raby village, albeit to the south 94.56 hectares of Willowbrow Road, could however Contains the farm buildings associated with potentially be added to the existing Infill Grange Farm to the immediate south of Raby Urban enclosure - 0% Village without any further impact on Village separation or open countryside, although SHLAA 1953 – 1.85ha Overhead electricity pylons and cables run without any clear existing boundary to the south. Electoral Wards: along the western edge of the parcel to the south Option 85.1 – Propose, if needed, to Clatterbridge Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape extend the existing Infill Village at Raby Character Area, where the quality and Village, to include the existing developed condition of the landscape is moderate to area to the south of Willowbrow Road good and the landscape strategy for the (SHLAA 1953) character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 0.6% (0.60 ha), which includes Priority Habitat – woodland

A public right of way (footpath) runs from Willowbrow Road in Raby Village, to the north

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 157 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) of the parcel, to the Borough boundary to the west of the parcel and a bridlepath runs across the southern part of the parcel from near the junction of Willowbrow Road and Willaston Road, to the east of the parcel, to the Borough boundary and Quarry Road in the west

SP086 – South of Willow Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the south of Willow Lane, to the west Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston of Willaston Road and east of Willowbrow between the M53 Motorway and Neston in Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Road Cheshire West and Chester and part of a part of the urban area. larger parcel of open countryside extending Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) further to south towards Willaston and Neston in Cheshire West and Chester Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape 24.51 hectares Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is moderate to Urban enclosure - 0% good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and Electoral Wards: enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the Clatterbridge agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 100%

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 158 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 1.1% (0.26 ha) of Priority Habitat – wetland and woodland

SP087 – South of Benty Heath Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land between Benty Heath Lane, Willaston Part of a w ider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Road and the Borough boundary between the M53 Motorway and Willaston in Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any Cheshire West and Chester and part of a part of the urban area. Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) larger parcel of open countryside extending further to the south to Mill Lane and Willaston Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area in Cheshire West and Chester

114.18 hectares Contains the small collections of buildings associated with Raby House and Raby House Urban enclosure - 0% Farm and Raby Nurseries

Electoral Wards: Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and Clatterbridge condition of the landscape is moderate to good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and enhance’. Future changes need to respect the rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 86.0%

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 159 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 13.1% (14.95 ha), which includes Benty Heath Lane Ponds Site of Biological Importance (No. 28) (part); Willaston Copse Site of Biological Importance (No. 29); and Priority Habitat – woodland, wetland and grassland

A public right of way (bridlepath) runs from Willaston Road in the north west of the parcel to the Borough boundary to the south

A public right of way (footpath) runs north to south across the centre of the parcel from Benty Heath Lane to the bridlepath, which continues south to the Borough boundary and on to Mill Lane in Willaston

SP088 – East of Hargrave Lane Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Land to the west of the M53 Motorway to the Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston east of Hargrave Lane and Benty Heath Lane, between the M53 Motorway and Willaston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any south of Raby Hall Road to the Borough and Neston in Cheshire West and Chester part of the urban area. boundary and part of a larger parcel of open countryside extending further to the south to Eastham Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Rake in Cheshire West and Chester

Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Contains Hargrave Cottages

24.69 hectares Part of the Raby Rural Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and Urban enclosure - 0% condition of the landscape is moderate to good and the landscape strategy for the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 160 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) character area is ‘conserve’ or ‘conserve and Electoral Wards: enhance’. Future changes need to respect the Clatterbridge rural and remote character and maintain the agricultural landscape bordered by intact hedgerows. Any changes that will make the urban edge more prominent or reduce the small and intimate character of villages would have a detrimental effect on character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 74.3%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 8.9% (2.20 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

A public right of way (footpath) runs across the southern part of the parcel connecting Bromborough to the east of the M53 Motorway with Benty Heath Lane

SP089 – South of Gayton Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the remaining open countryside Land to the south of Cottage Lane to the Part of a wider strategic separation between between Gayton and Parkgate and Neston in Borough boundary, to the east of the Wirral Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and Parkgate in adjoining Cheshire West and Chester Way and west of Gayton parkway, Cedarway Cheshire West and Chester (1.4km) and part and Dee Park Road (excluding Gayton of a larger parcel of open countryside SHLAA 3046, to the south of Gayton Conservation Area) extending further to the south to Boathouse Parkway, would reduce the separation Lane in Cheshire West and Chester Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) between Gayton and Neston and introduce a Includes Heswall Golf Course and residential discordant urban development to the south of Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 7 - properties Gayton Wood, Gayton Wood Gayton Heswall Cottage and The Cottage

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 161 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

74.13 hectares Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and Urban enclosure - 29% condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is SHLAA 3046 – 7.68ha ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill Electoral Wards: development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of Heswall the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

The coastline to the west is of national and international significance.

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 14.3% (10.61 ha), which includes Backford Road Pond Site of Biological Importance (No. 12); Gayton Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. 24); Gayton Hall Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. 25) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland and wetland. The former Backwood Hall Farm Site of Biological Importance (No. 26) has recently been deleted

Public rights of way (footpaths) run from north to south across the parcel from Gayton Farm Road to the Borough boundary and on to Boathouse Lane in Parkgate; from the Wirral

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 162 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Way to the footpath crossing the parcel from north to south and links to the Dee coast; and between Gayton Farm Road, the Wirral Way and Backwood Hall Farm

There is poor access to the parcel from the north

Part of an Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2) which extends across the Borough boundary into Cheshire West and Chester (Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Local Plan, Policy ENV6)

SP090 – Gayton Conservation Area Green Belt since December 1983 Rural village to the south of the urban area at Gayton Rural conservation village, around Gayton Part of the wider separation between Hall and Gayton Farm Road Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and Parkgate in The existing developed areas of the village Cheshire West and Chester could however potentially be released from Agricultural land uses (pasture) the Green Belt with no further impact on Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape separation or open countryside but the Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 7 - Character Area, where the quality and revised boundary to the urban area would Heswall condition of the landscape is good and the need to minimise the impact on the landscape landscape strategy for the character area is and the character and appearance of the 8.45 hectares ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement Conservation Area fringes and ridgelines means some infill Urban enclosure - 47% development could be accommodated where Alternatively, the existing developed areas woodland would continue to screen views of could potentially be identified as an Infill Electoral Wards: the urban edge. Development that rose above Village in the Green Belt the tree line or was visible on the skyline Heswall would not be consistent with the landscape Option 90.1 – SP090 could, if needed, character potentially be proposed for release from the Green Belt, with a revised boundary to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 163 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the urban area, to minimise the impact on Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% the landscape and the character and (not relevant) appearance of the Conservation Area Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area Conservation Area controls would remain – 38.0% (3.22 ha), which includes Gayton in place but the additional presumption Hall Wood Site of Biological Importance (No. against development in the Green Belt 25) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland would be removed A public right of way (footpath) runs from Option 90.2 – Retain SP090 in the Green north to south across the parcel along Gayton Belt and, if needed, propose to identify the Farm Road existing developed areas as a new Infill UDP Policy CH13 – Gayton Conservation Village in the Green Belt Area, identifies principal planning objectives Conservation Area controls would remain including preserving the character and scale in place but limited infill development of a small farming township in a wooded could also be allowed within defined areas setting; retaining unifying features; preserving of the village the wooded grounds of the Gayton Hall estate; and retaining and enhancing the sequence of open views to the Dee Estuary and North Wales. New uses should respect and retain the quiet, rural character of the Area

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP091 – Frankby Village Conservation Green Belt since December 1983 Existing rural village, not directly adjacent to Area any part of the urban area Part of the Thurstaston and Arrowe Park Rural conservation village around the Wooded Hills Landscape Character Area, Part of the strategic separation between junctions between Frankby Road, The Nook where the quality and condition of the Settlement Area 5 and Settlement Area 6, at landscape is good and the landscape strategy the narrowest point between Greasby and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 164 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and Hillbark Road for the character area is ‘conserve’. New Newton. Development should conserve the existing Agricultural land uses including (horse grazing field pattern, restore fragmented hedgerows Not suitable for release from the Green Belt and horse related facilities) and be set within mature wooded framework and ensure that when viewed from high Could only potentially be identified as an Infill Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area ground it contributes to and maintains the Village in the Green Belt without causing impression of the character area being almost harm to separation or open countryside, 5.28 hectares completely wooded subject to the impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area Urban enclosure - 0% Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% (not relevant) Option 91.1 – Retain SP091 in the Green Electoral Wards: Belt but, if needed, propose to identify a Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area new Infill Village in the Green Belt Greasby, Frankby and Irby – 6.6% (0.35 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland Conservation Area controls would remain in place but limited infill development All of the parcel to the north of Frankby Road could also be allowed within defined areas is in the Frankby Fields WeBS Core Count of the village area (42.8%) and may be supporting habitat (even though the area is mainly developed with farm buildings)

A public right of way (footpath) runs north from Frankby Road

UDP Policy CH12 – Frankby Village Conservation Area, identifies principal planning objectives including retaining the character and appearance of an historic rural village, preserving a separate and distinct settlement form and preserving the rural character of former farm buildings

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 165 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP092 – Dee Coast (North of Croft Drive) Green Belt since December 1983 Part of the remaining open area between West Kirby, the Wirral Way and the coastline Land along the coastline to the west of the Part of the remaining open land between the but isolated from the main run of the Green Wirral Way, south of Macdonna Drive and Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching Belt by the existing residential development at north of the Croft Drive slipway from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at Shore Road Gayton. Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 6 – The parcel could potentially be removed from Hoylake and West Kirby Separates Melloncroft Drive and Caldy the Green Belt with no significant impact on Conservation Area from the coastline (east- any wider strategic separation, with Cubbins 7.39 hectares west, 100m in the north rising to 150m in the Green and the Wirral Way retained as Urban south) Greenspace Urban enclosure - 45% Contains the coastal public open space Option 92.1 – Retain SP092 in the Green Electoral Wards: associated with the Wirral Way and Wirral Belt Country Park at Cubbins Green (4.49 West Kirby and Thurstaston hectares) and the line of waterfront properties Option 92.2 – Retain SP092 in the Green in large grounds along Shore Drive between Belt and, if needed, propose to identify the Cubbins Green and the slipway existing line of properties at Shore Road as an Infill Village in the Green Belt Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and Option 92.3 – SP092 could, if needed, condition of the landscape is good and the potentially be proposed for release from landscape strategy for the character area is the Green Belt, with Cubbins Green ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement protected as Urban Greenspace fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 166 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance.

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 64.3% (4.75ha), which includes Wirral Way (Caldy to Heswall) Site of Biological Importance (No. 15) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland and coastal The parcel also includes a very small area of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI and the Caldy Golf Course SBI

A small area of the parcel is also in the Caldy Blacks WeBS Core Count area (0.8%) and may be supporting habitat A public right of way (footpath) runs from Macdona Drive outside the north western edge of the parcel and then crosses the parcel to Wirral Country Park and the Wirral Way permissive path which runs along the eastern edge of the parcel

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP093 – Dee Coast (South of Croft Drive Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Slipway) Part of the open countryside between Caldy Part of the remaining open land between the and Heswall to the west of Telegraph Road Land along the coastline to the west of the Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 167 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Wirral Way, to the south of the Croft Drive from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at and part of the undeveloped coastline, to the slipway and to the north of the Caldy Blacks Gayton west of the Wirral Way slipway Part of the wider north-south strategic The Wirral Way provides a clear dividing line Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 6 – separation between Settlement Area 6 – between the urban area in Settlement Area 6 Hoylake and West Kirby Hoylake and West Kirby and Settlement Area and the undeveloped coastline to the west 7 – Heswall (2.8km) and the wider east-west 26.63 hectares separation between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the coastline (1.9km) Urban enclosure - 25% Contains Caldy Golf Club, Dee Sailing Club Electoral Wards: and former filled land (now a nature reserve associated with Wirral Country Park) to the West Kirby and Thurstaston north of the slipway

Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 4.0% (not relevant)

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP.

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 168 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

The coastline to the west is of national and international significance. The golf course is also subject to a local biodiversity designation

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 82.5% (21.97 ha), which includes the Dee Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (part); Caldy Golf Course Site of Biological Importance (No. 6) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland, wetland and coastal The parcel also includes a very small area of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and Site of Special Scientific Interest A small area of the parcel is in the Caldy Blacks WeBS Core Count area (1.6%) and may be supporting habitat

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP094 – Dee Coast (South of Caldy Blacks Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Slipway) Part of the open countryside between Caldy Part of the remaining open land between the and Heswall to the west of Telegraph Road Land along the coastline to the west of the Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching and part of the undeveloped coastline to the Wirral Way, to the south of the Caldy Blacks from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at west of the Wirral Way, not adjacent to any slipway, to the north of Station Road and the Gayton part of the urban area Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre Part of the wider north-south strategic

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 169 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) separation between Settlement Area 6 – Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Hoylake and West Kirby and Settlement Area 8.98 hectares 7 – Heswall (2.8km) and the wider east-west separation between Settlement Area 7 – Urban enclosure - 0% Heswall and the coastline (1.9km)

Electoral Wards: Contains the touring and static caravan sites at Wirral Country Park West Kirby and Thurstaston Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 41.9%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. Subject to coastal erosion along the naturally eroding cliff-line

The coastline to the west is of national and international significance

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 170 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) – 24.0% (2.16 ha), which includes the Dee Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (part); Wirral Way (Caldy to Heswall) Site of Biological Importance (No. 15) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland and coastal

The north eastern edge of the parcel also forms part of the larger Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area. (2.3%) and may be supporting habitat

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP095 – Dee Coast (South of Station Road) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Part of the open countryside between Caldy Land along the coastline to the west of the Part of the remaining open land between the and Heswall to the west of Telegraph Road Wirral Way, to south of Station Road up to Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching and part of the undeveloped coastline to the and including Heswall Fields from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at west of the Wirral Way, not adjacent to any Gayton Agricultural land uses (pasture) part of the urban area Part of the wider north-south strategic Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area separation between Settlement Area 6 – Hoylake and West Kirby and Settlement Area 32.69 hectares 7 – Heswall (2.8km) and the wider east-west separation between Settlement Area 7 – Urban enclosure - 0% Heswall and the coastline (1.9km)

Electoral Wards: Contains the strategic countryside recreation West Kirby and Thurstaston facility at Wirral Country Park and Thurstaston Heswall Visitor Centre and the National Trust coastal open space at Heswall Fields

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 171 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area. Quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP and subject to coastal erosion along the naturally eroding cliff-line

The coastline to the west is of national and international.

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 94.33% (30.84 ha), which includes the Dee Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (part); Wirral Way (Caldy to Heswall) Site of Biological Importance (No. 15) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland and coastal.

The southern area of the parcel forms part of the larger Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area. (71.6%) and may be supporting habitat and part of the new Site of Biological Importance at Heswall Fields (No.78) covers

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 172 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) 11% of the Parcel

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP (Proposal LA2/2)

SP096 – Dee Coast (North of Broad Lane) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt

Land to the west of the Wirral Way to the Part of the remaining open land between the Part of the open countryside between Caldy north and west of Broad Lane between Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching and Heswall to the west of Telegraph Road Heswall Fields and Banks Road from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at and part of the undeveloped coastline, to the Gayton. west of the Wirral Way Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing and arable) The northern area (to the north of 103 Pipers The Wirral Way provides a clear dividing line Lane) is part of the wider north-south strategic between the urban area in Settlement Area 7 Partially adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area separation between Settlement Area 6 – and the largely open coastline to the west 7 - Heswall Hoylake and West Kirby and Settlement Area The existing ribbon development at Broad 7 – Heswall (2.8km) and the wider east-west Lane, including SHLAA 943, could however 25.54 hectares separation between Settlement Area 7 – potentially be identified as part of a new Infill Heswall and the coastline (1.9km) Urban enclosure - 20% Village in the Green Belt, possibly alongside The southern area (to the south of 103 Pipers similar types of existing development in SHLAA 943 – 0.51ha Lane) forms part of the wider separation SP097 to the south, to reflect the existing between the residential urban areas of pattern of development, without any Electoral Wards: Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and the coastline significant impact on strategic separation or (east-west, 400m) open countryside Heswall Contains the small length of ribbon Option 96.1 – Propose, if needed, to development to the north of Broad Lane identify a new Infill Village in the Green towards Banks Road and medical facility at Belt at Broad Lane, with or with or without

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 173 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the site of the former Heswall Youth Camp any additional areas in SP097 to the south

Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 46.6%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance.

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 7.6% (1.94 ha), which includes Wirral Way (Caldy to Heswall) Site of Biological Importance (No. 15) (part); and Priority Habitat – woodland and coastal

The majority of the parcel forms part of the larger Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area (96.5%) and may be supporting habitat and part of the new Site of Biological Importance at Heswall Fields (No.78) covers

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 174 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) <1% of the Parcel

Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

SP097 – Dee Coast (South of Broad Lane) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Land along the coastline to the west of the Part of the remaining open land between the the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Wirral Way to the south and west of Broad Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching more open coastline to the west Lane, from Heswall Fields to the north of from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at Banks Road Gayton. The existing ribbon developments at Target Road, Dee Side, Mostyn Avenue, Banks Open land is in predominantly agricultural Part of the wider separation between the Road and The Moorings, including SHLAA land use (horse grazing) residential urban areas of Settlement Area 7 – 643, SHLAA 644, SHLAA 1768, SHLAA 1772, Heswall and the coastline (east-west, 400m) SHLAA 1773, SHLAA 1973 and SHLAA 3044 30.02 hectares could however potentially be identified as one Contains a collection of loosely related or a number a new Infill Villages, possibly Urban enclosure - 0% developed areas including Target Road alongside part of Broad Lane in SP096, to SHLAA 641 – 0.49ha Waste Water Treatment Works, the ribbon reflect the existing pattern of development, SHLAA 643 – 0.09ha developments at Target Road and Dee Side, without any significant impact on strategic SHLAA 644 – 0.96ha Mostyn Avenue and The Moorings and along separation or open countryside, which could SHLAA 1768 – 2.74ha the northern side of Banks Road and the site provide an additional capacity of up to 93 SHLAA 1772 – 0.93ha of the former Dee Caravan Park dwellings SHLAA 1773 – 0.50ha Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape SHLAA 1973 – 0.91ha SHLAA 641, at the northern extremity of Character Area, where the quality and SHLAA 3044 – 0.04ha Broad Lane would, however, introduce condition of the landscape is good and the SHLAA 3045 – 1.19ha additional isolated urban development into the landscape strategy for the character area is open countryside, poorly related to any ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement Electoral Wards: existing development; and SHLAA 3045, to fringes and ridgelines means some infill the north of 10 Broad Lane, would introduce development could be accommodated where Heswall largely discordant urban development into the woodland would continue to screen views of open countryside

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 175 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the urban edge. Development that rose above Option 97.1 – Propose, if needed, to the tree line or was visible on the skyline identify one or a number of new Infill would not be consistent with the landscape Villages in the Green Belt, to include land character at or and around Target Road and Dee Side, Broad Lane, Mostyn Avenue, Banks Best and most versatile agricultural land – Road and The Moorings, with or without 14.0% any additional areas to the north of Broad Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the Lane in SP096 UDP. The coastline to the west is of national Additional public open space may need to and international significance be provided An area to north west of the waste water The impact on highway and transport treatment works and small areas along the capacity and the role of the area as coastal edge of the parcel may be at risk from supporting habitat would require flooding (2.08 ha) independent appraisal before any Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area designation was confirmed – 16.9% (5.08ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland, coastal and wetland The parcel also includes a very small area of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI and Dee Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest The majority of the parcel forms part of the larger Thurstaston Fields WeBS Core Count area (73.7%) and a small area is also in the Heswall Marsh WeBS Core Count area (0.1%) and may be supporting habitat and part of the new Site of Biological Importance at Heswall Fields (No.78) covers 2% of the Parcel

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 176 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Part of the parcel also forms part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network A public right of way (bridlepath) runs across the parcel from Broad Lane to the foreshore along Target Lane. A public right of way also runs along the northern edge of the parcel along Broad Lane, from the east to Target Lane, as a byway and then as a bridlepath SP098 – Dee Coast (South of Banks Road) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Land along the coastline to the west of the Part of the remaining open land between the the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Wirral Way, to the north of Park West, south Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching more open coastline to the west of Banks Road excluding land to the north from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at east of Wittering Lane Gayton SHLAA 1938 would, on its own, form a discordant intrusion of urban development Agricultural land uses (horse grazing, arable Separates the residential urban areas of into an otherwise predominantly open coastal and horse related activities) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall from the landscape. coastline (east-west, 400m) Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - Heswall Contains the Banks Road visitor car park and the buildings associated with Dee Farm 21.88 hectares Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Urban enclosure - 5% Character Area. Quality and condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy SHLAA 1938 – 11.98ha for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and Electoral Wards: ridgelines means some infill development Heswall could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 177 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 97.7%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance and a small area along the coastal edge of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (0.45 ha)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 9.0% (1.96 ha), which includes Wittering Lane Site of Biological Importance (No. 22); and Priority Habitat – woodland, coastal and wetland The parcel also includes a very small part of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI The majority of the parcel forms part of the larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core Count area. (84.6%) and may be supporting habitat. A small area of the parcel is also in the Heswall Marsh WeBS Core Count area (1.2%)

Public rights of way (byways) run across the north of the parcel along Wittering Lane and from the visitor car park to the west of the parcel to the foreshore along Banks Road

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 178 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP099 – Dee Coast (Park West) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Land along the coastline to the west of the Comprises an almost complete frontage of the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Wirral Way along Park West ribbon development stretching between the more open coastline to the west urban areas of Heswall and the coast at Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 – Marine Drive along Park West Park West could, however, potentially be Heswall identified as a new Infill Village in the Green Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Belt, to reflect the existing pattern of 6.02 hectares Character Area, where the quality and development, without any significant impact condition of the landscape is good and the on strategic separation or open countryside, Urban enclosure - 7% landscape strategy for the character area is possibly alongside existing development in ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement the Green Belt at Wittering Lane in SP110, to Electoral Wards: fringes and ridgelines means some infill the north and to the south of Marine Drive in Heswall development could be accommodated where SP100 woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above Alternatively, Park West could potentially be the tree line or was visible on the skyline identified as part of a new Infill Village in the would not be consistent with the landscape Green Belt alongside SP100, SP101 and the character existing developed area at Seabank Road (SP102) Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% Option 99.1 – Propose, if needed, to Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the identify SP099 as a new Infill Village in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national Green Belt at Park West, with or without and international significance and small areas any additional areas at Wittering Lane in along the coastal edge of the parcel may be SP110 or to the south of Marine Drive in at risk from flooding (0.01 ha) SP100

Includes a small area of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI and priority habitat along the foreshore

The majority of the parcel forms part of the

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 179 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core Count area (97.7%) and may be supporting habitat

A public right of way (footpath) runs a short distance from the south west end of Park West to the foreshore

SP100 – Dee Coast (North of Manners Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Lane) The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Part of the remaining open land between the the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Land along the coastline to the west of the Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching more open coastline to the west Wirral Way to the south of Park West and from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at north of Manners Lane Gayton. The small area of existing ribbon development to the south of Marine Drive (SP100A, Agricultural land uses (horse grazing and Separates the residential urban areas of 0.31ha) could, however, potentially be added arable) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall from the to any new Infill Village at Park West, to coastline (east-west, 400m) reflect the existing pattern of development, Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - without any significant impact on strategic Heswall Contains a small area of ribbon development separation or open countryside along the coast to the south of Marine Drive 5.36 hectares Alternatively SP100 could potentially be Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape identified as part of a new Infill Village in the Urban enclosure - 14% Character Area, where the quality and Green Belt alongside the existing developed condition of the landscape is good and the areas at Park West (SP099) and Seabank SHLAA 1940 – 3.84ha landscape strategy for the character area is Road (SP102) and SP101, which could ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement potentially together provide an additional Electoral Wards: fringes and ridgelines means some infill capacity of up to 117 dwellings Heswall development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of Option 100.1 – Propose, if needed, to the urban edge. Development that rose above include the existing developed area to the the tree line or was visible on the skyline south of Marine Drive (SP100A) as part of would not be consistent with the landscape a new Infill Village in the Green Belt at

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 180 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) character Park West (SP099)

Best and most versatile agricultural land – Or 98.2% Option 100.2 – Propose, if needed, to Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the include SP100 in a new Infill Village in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national Green Belt alongside SP099, with an and international significance. additional capacity of up to 75 dwellings, with or without SP101 and SP102 Includes very small area of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI and Additional public open space would need priority habitat along the foreshore to be provided

The majority of the parcel forms part of the The impact of the loss of best and most larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core versatile agricultural land, the role of the Count area (99.2%) and may be supporting area as supporting habitat and highway habitat and transport capacity would, however, require independent appraisal before any designation was confirmed

SP0101 – Dee Coast (South of Manners Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Lane) The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Part of the remaining open land between the the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Land along the coastline to the west of the Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching more open coastline to the west Wirral Way to the north of Seabank Road and from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at south of Manners Lane Gayton. SP101 could, however, potentially be identified as part of a new Infill Village in the Agricultural land uses (horse grazing, arable Separates the residential urban areas of Green Belt alongside the existing developed and horse grazing) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall from the areas at Seabank Road (SP102), Park West coastline (east-west, 400m) (SP099) and SP100, which could potentially Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - together provide an additional capacity of up Heswall Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape to 117 dwellings Character Area, where the quality and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 181 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) condition of the landscape is good and the 2.85 hectares Option 101.1 – Propose, if needed, to landscape strategy for the character area is include SP101 in a new Infill Village in the ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement Urban enclosure - 7% Green Belt alongside SP102, with an fringes and ridgelines means some infill additional capacity of up to 42 dwellings, development could be accommodated where SHLAA 1941 – 1.15ha with or without SP099 and SP100 woodland would continue to screen views of Electoral Wards: the urban edge. Development that rose above Additional public open space would need the tree line or was visible on the skyline to be provided Heswall would not be consistent with the landscape character The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, the role of the Best and most versatile agricultural land – area as supporting habitat and highway 97.8% and transport capacity would, however, require independent appraisal before any Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the designation was confirmed UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance.

A very small part includes part of the Priority Habitat – coastal, immediately adjacent

The whole parcel forms part of the larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core Count area (100%) and may be supporting habitat

SP102 – Dee Coast (Seabank Road) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Land along the coastline to the west of the Comprises an almost complete frontage of the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Wirral Way along Seabank Road ribbon development stretching between the more open coastline to the west urban areas of Heswall and the coast at Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - Seabank Road Seabank Road could, however, potentially be Heswall identified as a new Infill Village in the Green Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Belt, to reflect the existing pattern of

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 182 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Character Area, where the quality and development, without any significant impact 3.39 hectares condition of the landscape is good and the on strategic separation or open countryside Urban enclosure - 7% landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement Alternatively Seabank Road could potentially Electoral Wards: fringes and ridgelines means some infill be identified as part of a new Infill Village in development could be accommodated where the Green Belt alongside the existing Heswall woodland would continue to screen views of developed area at Park West (SP099), SP100 the urban edge. Development that rose above and SP101 the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape Option 102.1 – Propose, if needed, to character identify SP102 as a new Infill Village in the Green Belt at Seabank Road, with or Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0% without SP099, SP100 and SP101

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance

A very small part includes part of the Priority Habitat – coastal, immediately adjacent

The whole of the parcel forms part of the larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core Count area and may be supporting habitat

SP103 - Dee Coast (North of Riverbank Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Road) The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Part of the remaining open land between the the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Land along the coastline to the west of the Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching more open coastline to the west Wirral Way, to the south of Seabank Road from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at and north of Riverbank Road Gayton The area of ribbon development at 4-14 Riverbank Road (SP103A, 0.52ha) could, Agricultural land uses (arable) Separates the residential urban areas of however, potentially be identified as a new

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 183 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall from the Infill Village in the Green Belt alongside Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - coastline (east-west, 400m) similar development within SP0104, to reflect Heswall the existing pattern of development, without Contains the small area of ribbon 11.65 hectares any significant impact on strategic separation development at 4-14 Riverbank Road and the or open countryside Urban enclosure - 20% small car park and linear public open space along the river frontage Option 103.1 – Propose, if needed, to SHLAA 1939 – 9.08ha identify the properties at 4-14 Riverbank Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Road (SP103A) as a new Infill Village in the Electoral Wards: Character Area, where the quality and Green Belt, with or without similar existing condition of the landscape is good and the developed areas and SHLAA 1968 in Heswall landscape strategy for the character area is SP104, to the south ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 33.7%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance

A very small part includes the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and SSSI and priority habitat on the foreshore to the west of the parcel

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 184 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

The parcel forms part of the larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core Count area (98.2%) and may be supporting habitat. A small area of the parcel is also in the Heswall Marsh WeBS Core Count area (0.4%)

SP104 – Dee Coast (South of Riverbank Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Road) The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Part of the remaining open land between the the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Land along the coastline to the west of the Wirral Way and the Dee coastline, stretching more open coastline to the west Wirral Way, to the south of Riverbank Road from West Kirby to the Borough boundary at and north of Cottage Drive West Gayton The area of ribbon development at 9-31 Riverbank Road (SP104A, 2.97ha) could, Agricultural land uses (pasture, horse grazing Separates the residential urban areas of however, potentially be identified as a new and arable) Settlement Area 7 – Heswall from the Infill Village in the Green Belt, alongside coastline (east-west, 400m) similar development within SP0103, to reflect Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - the existing pattern of development, without Heswall Contains the ribbon development between 9- any significant impact on strategic separation 31 Riverbank Road or open countryside 17.38 hectares Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape SHLAA 1968 could also potentially form a Urban enclosure - 28% Character Area, where the quality and single built-up frontage between 5 and 7 to 9 condition of the landscape is good and the Riverbank Road, opposite 4-14 Riverbank SHLAA 1968 – 3.22ha landscape strategy for the character area is Road in SP103 adjacent, as part of the same ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement Infill Village, which could potentially provide Electoral Wards: fringes and ridgelines means some infill an additional capacity of up to 45 dwellings. Heswall development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of Option 104.1 – Propose, if needed, to the urban edge. Development that rose above identify the properties at 9-31 Riverbank the tree line or was visible on the skyline Road (SP104A) as a new Infill Village in the would not be consistent with the landscape Green Belt, with or without similar existing character developed areas in SP103, to the north; and with or without SHLAA 1968, with an

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 185 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) additional capacity of up to 45 dwellings Best and most versatile agricultural land – 28.5% The impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and highway Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the and transport capacity would, however, UDP. The coastline to the west is of national require independent appraisal before any and international significance and small areas designation was confirmed along the coastal edge of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (0.02 ha)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 13.5% (2.35 ha), which includes Priority Habitat – woodland and coastal

Small parts of the parcel also form part of the larger Parkgate (3%), Wittering Lane Fields (0.2%) and Heswall Marsh (0.01%) WeBS Core Count areas and may be supporting habitat

SP105 – Dee Coast (Cottage Drive West) Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Land along the coastline to the west of the Comprises an almost complete estate of the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Wirral Way at Cottage Lane and Cottage housing development along the coastline at more open coastline and the parcel is isolated Drive West the end of Cottage Lane from the existing urban area to the east Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape The existing development at Cottage Drive Character Area, where the quality and West could, however, potentially be identified 6.32 hectares condition of the landscape is good and the as a new Infill Village in the Green Belt, to landscape strategy for the character area is reflect the existing pattern of development, Urban enclosure - 0% ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement without any significant impact on strategic fringes and ridgelines means some infill separation or open countryside Electoral Wards: development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of Option 105.1 – Propose, if needed, to

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 186 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) Heswall the urban edge. Development that rose above identify SP105 as a new Infill Village in the the tree line or was visible on the skyline Green Belt at Cottage Drive West would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance and small areas along the coastal edge of the parcel may be at risk from flooding (0.20 ha)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area - 23.5% (1.48 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland and coastal The parcel also includes a small area of the adjacent Dee Estuary SAC, SPA, Ramsar and coastal and wetland priority habitat A small part of the parcel also forms part of the larger Parkgate WeBS Core Count area (0.2%) and may be supporting habitat

SP106 – Dee Coast (South of Cottage Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Lane) Part of the remaining open countryside along Part of the wider strategic separat ion the undeveloped coastline between Gayton Land along the coastline to the west of the between Settlement Area 7 – Heswall and and Parkgate, in adjoining Cheshire West and Wirral Way to the south of Cottage Lane and Parkgate in Cheshire West and Chester Chester, to the west of the Wirral Way Cottage Drive East (1.7km)

Agricultural land uses (pasture and arable) Part of a larger parcel of open countryside extending further to the south to North Parade

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 187 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) and Boathouse Lane in Cheshire West and Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area Chester. Includes part of Heswall Golf Course 30.31 hectares Area of Special Landscape Value in the UDP Urban enclosure - 0% (Proposal LA2/2)

Electoral Wards: Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape Character Area, where the quality and Heswall condition of the landscape is good and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement fringes and ridgelines means some infill development could be accommodated where woodland would continue to screen views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the UDP. The coastline to the west is of national and international significance and areas along the coastal edge may be at risk from flooding (2.75 ha)

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 4.6% (1.38 ha), which includes the Wirral Way (Heswall to Borough Boundary) Site of Biological Importance (No. 15) (part); Priority Habitat – woodland

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 188 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

A small part of the parcel also forms part of the larger Parkgate WeBS Core Count area (0.5%) and may be supporting habitat

Public rights of way (footpaths) run along the coastal boundary of the parcel and cross the parcel connecting the foreshore and the Wirral Way across Heswall Golf Course

SP107 – M53 Motorway Junction 1 Green Belt since February 2000 Motorway roundabout underneath the flyover Roundabout between the M53 Motorway and the Wallasey Undeveloped central reservation at centre of Road Tunnel, which could potentially be Land within the M53 Motorway Junction 1 motorway junction roundabout and crossed by released from the Green Belt with no roundabout, opposite Junction One Retail the M53 Motorway flyover. Part of the wider significant impact on separation or open Park separation between Wallasey, Bidston and countryside Leasowe (between 500m and 800m) Adjacent to (south and west of) Settlement The external boundaries to the roundabout, to Area 1 – Wallasey and (north and west of) The Wallasey Approach Road, Bidston the west, could potentially provide an Settlement Area 2 – Commercial Core Approach Road (A554) and the eastern edge alternative clear, strong boundary to a revised of the roundabout form the clearest boundary Green Belt 2.11 hectares between the existing urban area and the open land to the west May, however, only have limited capacity or Urban enclosure - 53% suitability for new development because of A small part of the parcel may be at risk from highway-related access and layout constraints Electoral Wards: flooding (0.05 ha) and flyover height restrictions

Leasowe and Moreton East The parcel was not assessed as part of the Option 107.1 – SP107 could, if needed, Wirral Landscape Character Assessment, but potentially be proposed for release from is located adjacent to the North Fender Urban the Green Belt Fringe Landscape Character Area, where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor and the landscape strategy for the character area is ‘restore or create’. Development along

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 189 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the urban fringe within the wider landscape, restore fragmented field boundaries and maintain a sense of separation and ‘open’ land between settlements

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 84.2% (1.78ha), which includes Priority Habitat – woodland

SP108 – Wallasey Loop Green Belt since February 2000 Small enclosed area, isolated from the open countryside to the west by motorway access Land to the east of the Wallasey Approach Small isolated open area to the east of the roads in embankment, which could potentially Road, west of Greenleas Road and south of Wallasey Approach Road, which does not be released from the Green Belt without any Greenleas Primary School, to the north of significantly contribute towards the separation significant impact on separation or open Leasowe Road. between Wallasey and Leasowe, compared to countryside the main separation to the west of the Agricultural land uses - horse grazing Wallasey Approach Road (600m) The A554 Wallasey Approach Road and Leasowe Road could potentially form a clear, Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 1 – The Wallasey Approach Road (A554) may strong boundary to a revised Green Belt Wallasey form a clearer boundary between the existing urban area and the open land to the west May, however, only have limited capacity or 4.74 hectares suitability for new development because of A small part of the parcel may be at risk from highway-related access and layout constraints Urban enclosure - 57% flooding (0.03 ha) Option 108.1 – SP108, to the west of the Electoral Wards: The parcel was not assessed as part of the A554 Wallasey Approach Road, could, if Wallasey Wirral Landscape Character Assessment and needed, potentially be proposed for Leasowe and Moreton East isolated from the adjacent North Wirral Shore release from the Green Belt, with a Landscape Character Area by motorway capacity of up to 26 dwellings, subject to access roads in embankment appropriate highway access, design and boundary treatment

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 190 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

Best and most versatile agricultural land – The impact of the loss of best and most 0.2% versatile agricultural land would require independent appraisal before release

SP109 – Land on Boathouse Lane, Gayton Green Belt since June 1993 Small part of an otherwise built up frontage along Boathouse Lane, between Freshways Small undeveloped plot between ‘Freshways’ Small area of ponds and woodland between and the rear of 11 and 13 The Spinney, where and the Borough boundary. residential properties on Boathouse Lane and development could potentially have no the Borough boundary. significant additional impact on separation or Adjacent to (south of) Settlement Area 7 - open countryside Heswall The parcel was not assessed as part of the Wirral Landscape Character Assessment, but Option 109.1 – SP109 could, if needed, 0.25 hectares is located near the Dee Coastal Farmland potentially be proposed for release from Landscape Character Area where the quality the Green Belt, with a capacity of up to 2 Urban enclosure - 50% and condition of the landscape is good and dwellings (0.06ha developable), subject to the landscape strategy for the character area appropriate design and boundary SHLAA 902 – 0.19ha is ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of treatment and the results of an appropriate settlement fringes and ridgelines means some ecological survey of the existing ponds Electoral Wards: infill development could be accommodated and woodland where woodland would continue to screen Heswall views of the urban edge. Development that rose above the tree line or was visible on the skyline would not be consistent with the landscape character

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 0%

Liverpool City Region Core Biodiversity Area – 41.1% (0.10 ha) of Priority Habitat – woodland

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 191 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data)

SP110 – Wittering Lane, Heswall Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt The Wirral Way provides a clear boundary to Land between Wittering Lane and the Wirral Small ribbon of large low density housing and the urban area in Settlement Area 7 and the Way horse paddocks enclosed between Wittering more open coastline to the west Lane and the Wirral Way. Adjacent to (west of) Settlement Area 7 - Part of SP110, including SHLAA 1815, could Heswall Part of the Dee Coastal Farmland Landscape however potentially be identified as a new Character Area, where the quality and Infill Village in the Green Belt, to reflect the 2.89 hectares condition of the landscape is good and the existing pattern of development, possibly landscape strategy for the character area is alongside existing development at Park West, Urban enclosure - 48% ‘conserve’. The wooded nature of settlement in SP099 to the south, without any significant fringes and ridgelines means some infill impact on the open countryside. SHLAA 1815 – 0.12ha development could be accommodated where SHLAA 1967 – 0.82ha woodland would continue to screen views of Alternatively, SP110, including the remaining the urban edge. Development that rose above undeveloped plot to the north of Radley Electoral Wards: the tree line or was visible on the skyline (SHLAA 1967) could potentially be identified, would not be consistent with the landscape without any significant impact on strategic Heswall character separation.

Best and most versatile agricultural land – Option 110.1 – Propose, if needed, to 92.7% identify the properties between Glenarch and Pine Trees as a new Infill Village in the Identified as part of the Coastal Zone in the Green Belt, with or without any additional UDP. The coastline to the west is of national developed areas in SP099, to the south and international significance. Option 110.2 – Propose, if needed, to A small part of the parcel forms part of the identify SP110 as a new Infill Village in the larger Wittering Lane Fields WeBS Core Green Belt, with or without any additional Count area (5.4%) and may be supporting developed areas in SP099, to the south habitat . Any future proposal would need to be subject to independent assessment of the role of the site as supporting habitat and

Wirral Council – September 2018 Page 192 of 194 Summary of Initial Green Belt Assessment for Public Consultation Strategic Land Parcel Description of Main Features Commentary and Summary of Potential (location and basic data) the impact of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land

SP111 – East of Clatterbridge Hospital, Green Belt since December 1983 Not suitable for release from the Green Belt Mount Road Part of the extensive tract of open countryside Part of a wider expanse of open countryside between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Land between Clatterbridge Hospital and the between the M53 Motorway and the Bidston Wrexham railway line, not adjacent to any M53 Motorway, to the north of Clatterbridge Wrexham railway line, to the east of part of the urban area but lies between the Road Settlement Area 7 – Heswall major developed site at Caltterbridge Hospital Agricultural land uses (arable) Contains the access roads and road verges and the M53 Motorway. along the frontage to Clatterbridge Hospital The existing developed area at Drayton Not adjacent to any urban Settlement Area (SP076A), to the west of Mount Road and the Motors (SHLAA 2073) could, however, existing developed site at Drayton Motors, potentially be re-developed, without any 5.72 hectares towards junction 4 of the M53 Motorway further impact on separation or open countryside Urban enclosure - 0% The parcel is part of the Clatterbrook and Dibbin Valley Landscape Character Area, SHLAA 2073 – 0.64ha where the quality and condition of the landscape is poor - moderate and the Electoral Wards: landscape strategy for the character area is ‘enhance’. Any new development should Clatterbridge ensure that it does not compromise wooded horizons, nature and scale of farmsteads and rural character of the land

Best and most versatile agricultural land – 70%

The parcel is also part of the nature improvement area identified in the LCR Ecological Network

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