We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Residential Development Supplementary Planning Document
The Wirral Local Plan was adopted in March 2025. The Local Plan includes a range of policies, which conform to national planning policy, to shape the future of Wirral. It sets out how new development will be managed in the period from 2022 to 2040, encouraging urban regeneration, sustainable development and economic growth.
The Council is preparing a Residential Development Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to supplement adopted planning policies in the Wirral Local Plan for residential development proposals – defined in this context as the construction of new dwellings and the conversion of existing buildings to create new dwellings. SPDs give more detailed guidance on the application of policies in the adopted Wirral Local Plan 2022-2040, Joint Waste Local Plan for Merseyside and Halton and ‘made’ (i.e. adopted) Neighbourhood Plans. SPDs also need to be consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).
The SPD will replace existing Supplementary Planning Documents and former Supplementary Guidance Notes related to policies in the now withdrawn Unitary Development Plan. The coverage of the SPD will be Borough-wide.
The SPD will contain guidance on achieving development solutions that could be permitted under the terms of adopted Local Plan policies. This will cover all aspects of design including layout, scale, massing and appearance; open space and landscaping; accessibility, parking, travel and servicing arrangements; location; spaces between buildings and amenity; sustainable construction methods; architectural detailing; boundary treatment; public safety and crime prevention; and developer contributions.
The consultation on the scope of the Residential Development SPD closed on 9 February 2026. The Council considered all comments and has produced a Consultation Statement summarising the main issues raised and this is in the Documents section of this page for information. The feedback received has informed the preparation of the Residential Development SPD Draft this is in the Documents section of this page for review.
To have your say on the Residential Development SPD Draft please complete the online survey below.
If you wish to submit any supporting documents as part of your response, please email these to localplan@wirral.gov.uk
The Wirral Local Plan was adopted in March 2025. The Local Plan includes a range of policies, which conform to national planning policy, to shape the future of Wirral. It sets out how new development will be managed in the period from 2022 to 2040, encouraging urban regeneration, sustainable development and economic growth.
The Council is preparing a Residential Development Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to supplement adopted planning policies in the Wirral Local Plan for residential development proposals – defined in this context as the construction of new dwellings and the conversion of existing buildings to create new dwellings. SPDs give more detailed guidance on the application of policies in the adopted Wirral Local Plan 2022-2040, Joint Waste Local Plan for Merseyside and Halton and ‘made’ (i.e. adopted) Neighbourhood Plans. SPDs also need to be consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).
The SPD will replace existing Supplementary Planning Documents and former Supplementary Guidance Notes related to policies in the now withdrawn Unitary Development Plan. The coverage of the SPD will be Borough-wide.
The SPD will contain guidance on achieving development solutions that could be permitted under the terms of adopted Local Plan policies. This will cover all aspects of design including layout, scale, massing and appearance; open space and landscaping; accessibility, parking, travel and servicing arrangements; location; spaces between buildings and amenity; sustainable construction methods; architectural detailing; boundary treatment; public safety and crime prevention; and developer contributions.
The consultation on the scope of the Residential Development SPD closed on 9 February 2026. The Council considered all comments and has produced a Consultation Statement summarising the main issues raised and this is in the Documents section of this page for information. The feedback received has informed the preparation of the Residential Development SPD Draft this is in the Documents section of this page for review.
To have your say on the Residential Development SPD Draft please complete the online survey below.
If you wish to submit any supporting documents as part of your response, please email these to localplan@wirral.gov.uk
Wirral Council is committed to making information accessible to everyone. If you would like further information, a paper copy of the survey, documents in another format or you would like support to complete the survey, please contact us: localplan@wirral.gov.uk
Paper copies of the questionnaire are available in Birkenhead Central Library.
The Council will also accept written responses by post, please send to this address: Strategic Planning Team, Wirral Council, PO Box 290, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH27 9FQ.
