A “TRANSFORMATIVE development” close to a beautiful park on the banks on the River Mersey has just been given the go ahead.

The new development will include 116 new homes as well as a new playground next to the River Dibbin.

The plans were first put forward by Persimmon Homes and Dibbins Estates Ltd in 2022. The homes, 23 of which will be affordable, will be built off Dock Road South in Bromborough near the Port Sunlight River Park.

A riverside walkway will be built as well as a new play area with footpath and vehicle access to the new development through the Mersey View housing estate. When the project was first put forward in 2022 for 124 homes, developers said it would provide 35 construction jobs as well as 62 jobs indirectly and a future £3.3m spend every year from people living in the homes in local shops, ten full time jobs in the local economy and £2.39m in council tax over 10 years.

The former site was previously a candleworks as well as operated by UniChem. Cllr Steve Foulkes said when it was a candleworks, workers had to walk from Chester and camp out on a field nearby, adding: “It’s got a great history and character.”

Councillors praised the scheme for its design, new affordable housing, mix of housing which will include apartments and town houses, as well as its use of a brownfield site which will go towards meeting housing targets and support the draft Local Plan, a major development policy. It was also pointed out the estate would be close to amenities, the banks of the River Mersey, and the Port Sunlight River Park.

In terms of the 23 affordable homes, nine will be available for first time buyers, eight will be for social renters, and six will be rented at affordable rates. Half of the total number of homes will be three to four bed family homes and roads will be 20mph within the estate.

Concerns had been raised by people in a neighbouring estate about traffic but councillors said any impact was outweighed by the benefits and would need to be severe. It was approved unanimously.

Chris Kershaw, Development Director, Persimmon North West, welcomed the news, adding: “This development will provide a range of homes, helping to meet local housing needs while also regenerating a brownfield site that has been empty for some time.

“Homeowners will benefit from easy access to local amenities, rail and bus connections as well to Port Sunlight River Park. In addition to delivering much-needed housing, this development will secure significant investment for the Bromborough community.”

A children’s home was also unanimously approved in Oxton despite concerns about the change of use of the building on Alfred Road and a neighbouring derelict property that “has allegedly been used for drug dealing.” The applicants for the home, which will house four children, said it would seek to replicate a family setting and they would work with neighbours.

Another application for a property extension on Stanley Road in Hoylake was also approved unanimously. The family who lived in the property said the extension was to accommodate a son who was disabled.

The application had faced opposition from 22 people with two in support. Councillors praised the extension for improving the look of the building and providing for the family’s needs. Cllr Kathy Hodson moved it for approval saying she “wholeheartedly” supported it, adding: “I am not sure why anybody objected to be frank.”

However, Cllr Andrew Gardner, a councillor for Hoylake, said the opposition was likely as a result of controversial changes to nearby buildings which people felt the area was “at threat so we get a situation where people will object to any alteration to the area.” An application for six new flats in Heswall on Farr Hall Drive were pushed back.