A PLANNING Inspectorate officer will this week visit the site of a former Wirral pub that is earmarked for redevelopment. 

Developer Galliford Try is awaiting the outcome of a planning appeal into its bid to build 38 flats at the former Millhouse in Moreton.

The proposal sparked a local protest with around 150 people signing a petition and more than 40 letters being sent to the council opposing the scheme.

The application was rejected by councillors at a meeting of Wirral's planning committee in October.

The firm then lodged an appeal against the decision – with ward councillor Chris Blakeley requesting a public hearing should be part of the process.

The Planning Inspectorate's site visit will take place on Thursday at 11am.

In a recent email to the developer and councillors, the Planning Inspectorate said there was "no obvious benefit in holding a hearing."

It said the inspector should be able to come to an informed conclusion on the basis of the written evidence submitted and a site visit.

Councillor Blakeley said: “This is a very important matter for people who live in the area and they deserve the opportunity to make their views known face-to-face with the inspector.

“Clearly this would demonstrate openness and transparency in the process.

“Instead we are faced with a decision being made by a faceless bureaucrat in Bristol.

“I sincerely hope the inspector takes into account the massive public opposition to this proposal which is totally out of character with the area.

“We are not opposed to a development on this site, however it should be a development that is in keeping with the area.”

No date has been released for when the inspectors' decision will be published.