00:00Merseyside is at the centre of a series of developments with far-reaching impacts on
00:05homes, transport and the environment. One of the largest proposals under consideration
00:09is the Mersey Tidal Power Project stretching between Liverpool and Wirral. The scheme could
00:13provide vital protection from flooding for thousands of properties whilst generating
00:18renewable energy for hundreds of thousands of homes. The project is in phase four development
00:22focusing on engineering, consenting and commercial planning. Local leaders emphasise the potential
00:29for long-term jobs and a pedestrian and cycle route over the river, although funding and
00:33government support remain under discussion. Meanwhile on Wirral, early plans for a 27-hectare
00:40solar farm near Thurston have sparked strong local opposition. More than 3,000 people have
00:46signed a petition objecting to the proposed development on Greenbelt land, with residents
00:51and councillors raising concerns about visual impact and its effect on the local landscape.
00:55Chintz Solar, the company behind the plans, has said the project is at an early stage and
00:59public consultation will be carried out before any formal planning submission. In Hale Wood,
01:05Nosley Council's active travel corridor project on Higher Road has been introducing new segregated
01:10cycle lanes. Whilst the scheme aims to improve sustainable transport links and pedestrian access,
01:16residents have raised safety and congestion concerns. Some have highlighted difficulties for
01:21emergency vehicles and local traffic management, while councillors stressed that the lanes were
01:25designed to exceed minimum standards and enforcement measures are being introduced to address parking
01:31issues. The project reflects the council's wider £30 million investment in connectivity improvements.
01:39Lisgard Town Centre is also seeing regeneration plans, with Dominic House, a derelict building on St Albans Road,
01:44potentially set for demolition. Councilors and local community groups welcome action to remove the long empty property
01:51and have suggested a major supermarket chain may be interested in redeveloping the site. The council
01:57plans to integrate the site into a £12 million regeneration programme, supporting business growth,
02:03new housing and improved public spaces. Sefton Council is preparing to refurbish Southport Pier,
02:09the oldest line in the country, which is closed due to structural issues and a fire. Funding of up to £20 million
02:15has been secured and work is expected to begin in the coming months. The restoration will include upgrades
02:21to kiosks and facilities aiming to restore the pier as a key leisure and tourism asset.
02:27Finally, Boothal's former Litherland House Tax Office site is set to be transformed into 135 affordable
02:33homes, combining houses and apartments along the Liverpool Leeds Canal. The Canal and River
02:38Trust's welcome plans to improve access while safeguarding the waterway and Sefton Council supports
02:44the project as part of its wider housing and regeneration ambitions, with benefits including
02:49employment, opportunities, joint construction and long-term community growth. And that's your
02:55roundup of the latest developments across the region.
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