A proposal to replace the M&Co clothing shop in West Kirby with a new development featuring retail units and apartments is to be considered by councillors.
Wirral-based Starship Group wants to knock down the existing structure and build a four storey building in its place.
The Sandlea View development will include 8 luxury apartments with balconies and one car park space each, and two ground floor commercial units.
The proposed building also includes cycle storage, a green roof and vertical, external planters.
In a statement issued to Wirral Council at the time of submission, the developers said: “The replacement of the existing outdated commercial building at 4-6 Dee Lane, West Kirby as proposed will deliver a much improved, mixed use proposal that responds directly to the need to modernise and revitalise this key Town Centre.”
Local councillor Alison Wright is against the scheme, arguing it constitutes over-development, does not fit in with the area and will lead to the loss of the M&Co store and mature trees in Sandlea Park.
Twelve letters of objection have been received which raise concerns about the height of the building, inadequate parking and loss of light and privacy.
Four letters of support have been submitted, welcoming the investment and replacement of the existing building as it “no longer fits the area”.
In an accompanying report in which they recommend approval for the scheme, council planning officers say it will “make a positive addition to the street scene”.
They write that it is “a departure from the general uninspiring design of the existing building and other developments in this part of the town centre” and will “enhance” the “competing mix of unrelated architectural styles”.
Regarding the height, they believe the recessed fourth storey will make it feel less imposing from street level.
The development will lead to the loss of up to three mature trees in Sandlea Park, with four replacements planted on the site and an additional five in Ashton Park, paid for by the developer.
Evoke Architecture, which designed the scheme, said: “The scheme looks to transform one of the main gateway links to the sea front from the town centre, and offers residents stunning views, along with covered parking and expansive balcony space.”
The Planning Committee will consider the application on Thursday 8 September.
