Council planners have thrown out an application to construct 32 new build flats on the site of the former West Kirby Fire Station.
Developer Blueoak Estates wanted to use the site for one to three bedroom apartments with private balconies and parking.
A statement from the developer submitted with the application last October said: “The scheme has been carefully designed to respect its surroundings with its architectural form and materiality offering a contemporary interpretation whilst maintaining a traditional form”.
It added that the scheme “will make a positive impact on the supply of new, energy efficient housing in the area on a previously developed site meeting an identified need and assisting in addressing the shortfall in Wirral Council’s supply of housing.”
However, it has been refused on the grounds that the site is designated for commercial or social infrastructure.
In its decision letter, Wirral Council said: “The proposals do not adopt an integrated approach to the location of housing, economic uses and community facilities, and will fail to function well over the lifetime of the development, establish a strong sense of place, or optimise the potential of the site to accommodate an appropriate amount and mix of development contrary to UDP [Unitary Development Plan] Policy SH6 and the NPPF [National Planning Policy Framework].”
It added that the scheme does not meet the standards for sustainable drainage systems, or flood risk and coastal change planning practice guidance.
West Kirby Fire Station closed in 2016 due to budget cuts, with a replacement later built in Saughall Massie.
A planning application to turn it into office accommodation was approved in 2020 but never progressed.
Blueoak Estates has until mid November to appeal the decision.
We have approached them for comment.