A plan to build 34 new homes on a disused playing field in Wirral is blocked by a planning inspector. Tony McDonough reports

A independent school’s plan to oversee the building of 34 new homes on a disused playing field in Birkenhead has been thwarted by a planning inspector.

Birkenhead School, a registered charity, is the owner of the former private sports field on Noctorum Lane. It wanted to develop the field and use the proceeds to invest in a range of community sports facilities at the site.

When the scheme was rejected by Wirral Council the school applied to the planning inspector. But that original decision has now been upheld. It calls a halt to plans to invest in the infrastructure and outreach work of Prenton and Old Parkonians rugby clubs.

“We acknowledge the inspector’s findings and will review them carefully, but this is a real opportunity lost for Wirral,” said school bursar Mark Turner.

“Birkenhead School has a long track record of working with local community groups and this was an opportunity to make a real difference across at least three communities.”

The rugby club’s provide sport classes, health and wellbeing advice and social activities for the elderly and vulnerable, as well as young people. It says this investment would have provided new sports pitches and unlocked facilities across both sites.

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Mr Turner added: “The Inspector’s decision noted the potential benefits to two community clubs, recognised there is currently no prospect of Noctorum Field’s use, and that it’s development would have no detrimental impact on highway safety, drainage or biodiversity.

“Notwithstanding this, the opportunity to achieve the proposed benefits now, sadly, appears foregone with this decision.”