ILLUSTRATIONS show what seven ‘modern’ new flats built in a protected area opposite a pub could look like.

The new flats would be built following the demolition of Appletree Cottage on Thurstaston Road in Heswall opposite the Black Horse pub if approved by Wirral Council.

Mark Lambe who put the plans forward said it would be “contributing towards meeting the needs of the ageing population in Wirral” offering an accessible living space.

According to the application, the new flats would be close to shops and public transport links and "will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the area." 

It would also be "modern in its design" and “will be made accessible for all and is situated within a highly sustainable location.”

Chester and District Standard: How the plans could look from the nearby street Church Farm CourtHow the plans could look from the nearby street Church Farm Court (Image: SDA Architecture)The new homes would be built within the Lower Heswall conservation area which is known for its village shops, stone and brick buildings, and community focus.

According to Rightmove, the average property price in the area is £423,034 with flats fetching £198,448.

No mention of affordable housing is made in the planning statement but the application said: "The scheme has been carefully designed to be modern in appearance whilst respecting the character of the street scene. 

"Many of the properties are hidden by long driveways and cannot be seen clearly from the street, however many of the properties in the adjacent vicinity are large, detached properties or modern apartments."

Chester and District Standard: What the new flats could look likeWhat the new flats could look like (Image: SDA Architecture)Mr Lambe in the statement also pointed to figures showing the number of people aged 65 to 74 rose by 6,700 between 2011 and 2021 while the number of people between 35 and 49 fell by 8,900. The application said it would provide six new homes in the area.

Heswall only has 27 new homes planned by 2040 according to Wirral Council’s draft Local Plan. Though aimed at older residents, the planning application said the flats would also be suitable for families and couples too.

The application had previously been submitted to Wirral Council in 2022 but was rejected in April 2023 by the local authority for being “a visually obtrusive feature that would harm the character and setting on the Conservation Area and the wider lower village of Heswall.”

Mr Lambe has appealed this decision but in March submitted an updated application he said was of a smaller scale and tied in better with the surrounding area. This means the new building would be “mostly hidden from the road” and won’t overlook any neighbours.

If this second application for the site is approved, the appeal for the first application will be withdrawn.