CONSERVATIONISTS failed to persuade councillors they should change their minds on the vast new Marks & Spencer flagship store proposed at Cheshire Oaks.

Plans for the “Marble Arch of the North” destination shopping experience had unanimous approval in the borough in December, with planning chief Tom Miller authorised to grant permission subject to a green light from the Government.

It later emerged that decision was on hold as, at the time, councillors did not hear objections from Wirral Wildlife on a number of green issues.

A new report to a meeting of the borough's planning committee revealed it was believed the representations by the conservationists should be considered to allow councillors the chance to decide if their previous position should be altered.

Officials said they had given careful consideration to all the points raised by Wirral Wildlife but there was nothing to change their previous recommendation that the application should be approved.