Double garage block at The Links, West Kirby

What was proposed

The application sought permission for a double garage block providing two parking spaces, with revised drawings reducing its size.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a double garage block to accommodate two parking spaces. As originally proposed on the drawings received on the 19/02/2026, the development has a footprint of circa 40.14 square metres. Revised drawings have been submitted in support of this application and received by the Local Planning Authority on the 26/05/2026 and 01/06/2026.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a residential apartment block beside a golf club, opposite a school, and within a residential area and conservation area.

“The land outlined in red on the drawings provided (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’) encompasses The Links, a residential apartment block approved under APP/20/01716. The Site bounds Royal Liverpool Golf Club to the west and is situated opposite West Kirby Grammar School to the east. The Site is situated to the north of West Kirby Town Centre. The Site is situated within a designated…”

“Primarily Residential Area and Meols Drive Conservation Area in the Wirral Local Plan. Photo 1 –The Site viewed from the vehicle entrance gate…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and changes

Earlier permissions included an apartment scheme, later changes replacing basement parking with surface parking, and related condition approvals.

“Location: LINKS COTTAGE, 100 Meols Drive, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DB Application Type: Full Planning Permission Proposal: Demolition of the existing dwellings on site and erection of a residential apartment building (Use Class C3) with associated parking, landscaping and access (Amended scheme) Application No: APP/20/01716 Decision Date: 14-04-2023 Decision Type: Conditional Approval…”

“Location: 100 & 102 Meols Drive , CH48 5DB Application Type: Removal/Variation of Condition(s) Proposal: Section 73 application for the variation of condition 2 of consented scheme ref APP/20/01716 to remove basement and provide parking at ground level, together with internal layout alterations and to pick up an error in the approved South Elevation Plan. Application No: RVC/23/01413 Decision Date: 14-06-2024 Decision Type: Conditional Approval…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Manager presented the report, and a ward councillor and the applicant addressed and answered questions from members.

Members debated the proposal

A motion to refuse said the garage would harm the area and conservation area, with insufficient public benefits to outweigh that harm.

“Councillor Andrew Gardner moved and the Chair, Councillor Stuart Kelly seconded a motion to refuse the application for the reasons set out below:”

“The proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area and would neither preserve nor enhance the character or appearance of the Meols Drive Conservation Area. The harm is not outweighed by public benefits, the proposal would therefore conflict with policies WD2 and WP6 of the Wirral Local Plan.”

Minutes

The committee voted

Members rejected the refusal motion by six votes to four, with one abstention, then approved the application by the same margin.

“The motion to refuse the application was put to a vote and it was lost (4:6) 1 abstention.”

“Resolved (6:4) 1 abstention – That for the reasons set out in the report, the Chief Planner, Assistant Director of Regeneration and Place be authorised to approve the application subject to the conditions set out below.”

Minutes

The approval conditions

Approval required commencement within three years, compliance with approved plans, planting before use and replacement planting if necessary.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission.”

“Should, within five years of planting, the evergreen climbers on the eastern elevation or the Evermat wildflower and wild grass & sedum biodiversity blanket on the roof as shown on drawing PLAN/114 (REV C) (or any planted in replacement) die, be removed, uprooted, or otherwise destroyed or, in the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, become severely damaged or defective so that it no longer performs a satisfactory screening function, replacements shall be planted in…”

Minutes