Village residents say no to exclusive housing estate

Apr 1 2004
By Sam Lister Daily Post Staff

RESIDENTS in the picture postcard village of Port Sunlight have vowed to stop plans to turn a corner of it into an exclusive housing estate.

More than 30 householders have joined forces to fight the development and preserve the area's unique heritage.

Under the name of Save Port Sunlight (SPS) the group is now putting together a protest strategy.

Nick Hunt, of SPS, said: "Port Sunlight has a fantastic landscape made up of around 900 Grade II-listed buildings set among open greens and gardens.

"Most of the proposed development is completely out of character with the existing village houses, and will be a permanent and regrettable eyesore in what at the moment is a picturesque and popular part of the conservation area."

The village trust revealed last month that it had gone into partnership with Miller Homes, which owns part of the land, to redevelop Wharf Street and Water Street.

The plans include more than 100 glass fronted apartments and houses and, if permission is granted, will mean the biggest change to the area's horizon since World War One.

The trust claims the development will safeguard the future of the village by raising vital revenue.

Many of the historic buildings are plagued by structural damage and a comprehensive assessment of all properties in the area found more than £7m was needed to restore them.

And it insists the modern design of the new houses will fit in with the traditional architecture of Port Sunlight and was chosen to reflect the areas industrial heritage.

The scheme will be submitted to Wirral council next month and, if approved, work will start in the summer.

Lionel Bolland, chief executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: "I agree that it is a beautiful village and worth preserving.

"It's simply a question of how we achieve that."

Ann Brocksom said: "The development would significantly increase the population of the village and cause major problems in terms of increased traffic, associated safety problems, noise and parking. These concerns are shared by many Port Sunlight residents."

And the group fears Port Sunlight's international reputation as a must-see for tourists visiting Merseyside will be irreparably damaged.

It says it wants to supports efforts to promote community life and tourism in Port Sunlight.

Mr Hill added: "We believe that this development would harm Port Sunlight's unique appeal to visitors, which could lead to a loss of revenue for the area."

Website: www.saveportsunlight.co.uk