Last year a planning application was submitted by Galliford Try for demolition of the Millhouse Pub and erection of a three storey complex of flats. There was a strong public campaign by the local residents and councillors, and the application was unanimously rejected by Wirrals' Planning Committee.

However Galliford Try have submitted an appeal against this decision and the appeal will now be heard by the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol. It appears that the appeal will be dealt with by exchange of documentation and will not be the subject of a public hearing. So, as I understand it, a faceless bureaucrat in Bristol who knows nothing of our area will make a decision which will affect all it's residents.

Most of us who live near this pub are in favour of re-development and all we ask is that it is a development in keeping with the local area and with sufficient parking facilities. This area is made up of different types of houses and some bungalows none of which are higher than 2 storeys. If you are willing to make representation to the Planning Inspector to help us get this appeal rejected, I have the information you need.

Something needs to be done with it as it's a bit of an eye soar at the minute. Shame it can't just be made in to a nice area of green really, can't ever see that happening though!

My objection was put in the post tonight. I feel sorry for those people whose properties will be overshadowed by this construction if it is allowed to go ahead.
I agree, the empty pub is an eyesore and the land would most definitely be suitable for 2 storey homes. But definitely not a block of apartments.
The current shortage of affordable housing might well win this builder the day, I'm afraid.
As I understand it, the purchase of the land coupled with the building of a block of apartments, will be a far more lucrative prospect for the builder, who will, if successful, have no problem selling it to the likes of Magenta; who in turn will borrow the cash in the knowledge that most of its tenants will have their affordable accommodation paid for from this country's generous housing benefit scheme. The builder, the prospective landlord and the lender can't lose.
I hope the locals who live close to the Millhouse win their case. I hope I'm completely wrong, but somehow I have a feeling that the "faceless bureaucrat in Bristol" will allow the builder's appeal in favour of the current need to build and supply affordable housing.

Alas Alonso, I fear you are right, but why when our local council has unanimously rejected these plans, should someone from miles and miles away be able to overrule the decision ? Why should they be allowed to put a blight in our area ?

dogooddeeds: I too wonder why somebody who doesn't even know where Moreton is, never mind have any connections with the place, has a right to allow the construction of something that the majority of locals don't want. I don't know if he has the final word, but if he doesn't and the high court gets involved, it would ve a very costly business.
We will just have to live in hope that the person hearing the appeal accepts that if local powers have said no, then that must hold some sway in the final decision.
Let's hope so. There's always hope.