Housing scheme gets reprieve

Elderly residents have won their fight to stop their homes from being demolished as part of a scheme to develop a Shropshire sheltered housing block.

Bridgnorth District Councillors last night voted not to demolish warden controlled bungalows at The Grove, in Shifnal, as part of a larger scheme to improve neighbouring Yew Tree Court.

The controversial plans had attracted widespread opposition, including a 600-signature petition from Shifnal residents. They had claimed demolishing the eight bungalows at The Grove would be unfair to the residents living there who would have been moved out of their homes.

Campaigners also said demolition was unnecessary because the bungalows were only 25 years old and in perfectly good condition.

But supporters of the scheme had argued it was a golden opportunity to improve care facilities.

Councillors last night decided between three schemes put forward by South Staffordshire Housing Association. They voted 6-4 in favour of a less controversial scheme which will see Yew Tree Court developed, providing 34 new homes and a net increase of 17 affordable houses.

The decision brought cheers from residents who attended last night’s housing and environment committee meeting at Westgate.

Councillor Jean Jones said: “The residents of The Grove have every right to live the rest of their lives in their homes in peace.”