WIRRAL Council has sent “a very clear signal to the government” after councillors from all parties voted for a motion on one of the biggest issues facing the local authority.

It had been put forward by Conservative councillors raising concerns about the new government’s plans to ‘bulldoze through’ the restrictive planning system and to build ‘the next generation of Labour new towns.’”

The local authority’s Local Plan, a major policy that outlines plans for at least 14,000 homes on the Wirral by 2040, is currently in its final stages as it waits for government approval.

The plan only promises to develop on brownfield sites across the borough with no development on the green belt, an approach the new government has endorsed but with strict targets for councils to deliver.

Wirral Council has come under pressure in recent weeks after criticisms from the borough’s Chamber of Commerce and a former MP, issues raised by a key development partner, as well as a number of projects facing delays or being shelved.

Concerns were raised by councillors at the meeting that if the local authority’s regeneration plans weren’t developed, the green belt could be open for development in the future.

In her first speech as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced a number of major planning changes including bringing back housing targets and a review of greenbelt boundaries if needed.

The new Labour government said its measures will “prioritise Brownfield and grey belt land for development to meet housing targets where needed” and promote growth in the economy.

However Conservatives have been raising concerns since the announcement with further details released on July 30.

At a full council meeting on July 29, the motion from Cllr Jeff Green, the leader of the local authority’s Conservative group, said: “With 5,691 on the waiting list for housing, it must be a priority for the Council to increase housing supply and affordability, but this must not be at the expense of the Borough’s precious natural environment.”

Cllr Green said his motion was about seeking clarity on the issue and “sending a very clear signal to the government that this council is not for turning.” Referring to a recent letter sent by Council leader Cllr Paul Stuart. Cllr Green argued he “was worried enough to seek assurances.”

He also pointed to previous greenbelt developments such as the scrapped Hoylake Golf Resort plan and the Saughall Massie fire station.

Changes by Labour and the Liberal Democrats were also approved by councillors.

This revealed Cllr Stuart had written on the issue “with urgency” to Wirral MPs on July 13,  while Chief Executive Paul Satoor had raised the issue “at the earliest possible opportunity” with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on July 19.

The Liberal Democrat changes highlighted Wirral had kept its housing targets even after these were scrapped by the previous Conservative government and that recent government announcements bringing these targets back “will not affect the progress of the regeneration led local plan.”

It also highlighted how Wirral Council has already reviewed its green belt boundaries as part of the Local Plan’s development.

Labour councillor Steve Foulkes argued the letters amounted to “just a good leader of the council doing a good job” pointing to the Chief Executive’s letter too.

He said the council’s approach of brownfield development wasn’t easy but “we are prepared to take that challenge on and deliver,” adding he was “fed up of some developers sitting on pieces of land and not developing.”

Cllr Tom Laing said Labour’s plans were “not going to be a developer’s charter,” adding: “This isn’t about plastering over green fields. No one is proposing that.”

He said: “How on earth are we meant to get growth unless you build homes? Let’s focus on delivering our local plan. Let’s deliver on it and not turn it into a political football.”

During the debate, Green councillors raised concerns about the current trajectory for regeneration and called for a review to ensure this is delivered.

Cllr Jo Bird brought up the recent departure of interim regeneration director Marc Cole, controversial decisions over Birkenhead Market, and delays to a mass transit plan, adding: “We have had enough artist impressions to fill the Williamson Art Gallery.”

However Regeneration committee chair Tony Jones and other councillors hit back at the Greens accusing them of “carping from the sidelines,” showboating, and “blatant electioneering.”

He claimed during a cross-party public transport meeting, a development partner said: “We could fund it ourselves and start tomorrow.”

However the Greens saw some agreement from the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Stuart Kelly pointed to recent issues raised about the Belong village and the Hythe as well as concerns raised outside the council and stressed the green belt could only be protected if regeneration was delivered.

Other motions were passed by councillors during the course of the meeting which saw a Labour motion congratulating Wirral’s four new MPs following the general election and a Liberal Democrat motion on sewage passed. However a Green motion on social housing was voted down.