Plans have been submitted to demolish a run-down house in West Kirby and replace it with two new properties.
The scheme would see the plot, located at the junction of Village Road and Abbey Road, split and the creation of two houses, one of which would be a self-build with five bedrooms.
The other would be a custom-build constructed to a design code, with the applicants saying the exact layout and number of bedrooms would be decided by the owner. However it has illustrated that it could also have five bedrooms.
A statement submitted with the application argues that the existing property “is in a state of disrepair, is awkwardly positioned on the site and struggles to respond effectively to the context of Village and Abbey Road”.
It says that although consideration was given to retaining the existing structure, “its poor condition, awkward positioning, and significant renovation requirements made this option impractical”
“Instead, the focus is on creating two high-quality homes that respect the area’s suburban identity and respond to contemporary housing demands.
“This approach ensures the site’s full potential is realised in a way that benefits both the immediate neighbourhood and the wider housing needs of the community.”
The existing property, which would be demolished
It adds: “Splitting the land into two distinct plots maximises the site’s potential while enabling a more efficient and contextually sensitive use of the space. This approach facilitates the delivery of much-needed housing that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment, balancing the scale, form, and character of the local area.
“The proposed subdivision aligns the site more closely with the surrounding streetscape, reflecting the scale and massing of neighbouring properties and optimising the use of the available land.”
Each house will be accessed from Abbey Road, and there will be space for two vehicles on each plot.
The application concludes: “The proposed development is making a positive contribution to meeting the need for additional housing, and in particular custom and self-build plots, within the borough.
“It is in a sustainable location where future occupants can meet their day-to-day needs, and reach employment opportunities, via sustainable modes of transport.
“The proposed development is of a high-quality contemporary design, whilst being influenced by traditional architectural features present on properties in the surrounding area.
“It retains and intensifies the existing residential use within in a primarily residential area, whilst maintaining the existing urban grain and respecting the character of the local area.”
The application can be read at https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=230774.
Image credits: Evoke Architecture
