Concerns on river housing plan

Plans to build eight massive luxury homes in Shrewsbury town centre’s conservation area have sparked objections from residents’ groups.Developer G C Rickards wants to build four seven-bedroom houses and four five-bedroom houses on land at Pengrove, Kingsland, near to the old brewery in Longden Coleham. The scheme would include boat moorings as well as car access.

But residents have raised concerns at the potential loss of green space and the impact the development could have on wildlife.

The Pengrove Residents’ Association and Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents’ Association have objected to the borough council over the plans and about 20 other people have posted comments on the council’s website.

The Shropshire Wildlife Trust has also objected over the loss of open space along the river as well as developments in an area likely to be affected by flooding.

In a letter to the council, the planning sub committee for the Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents’ Association raised concerns about building large houses on a natural site.

It states: “The western edge of the development would require a large brick wall to support the development and separate it from Burr’s Field and this would be an eyesore seen from much of the Quarry park.

“Most importantly, however, our riverscape as seen from the town centre, one of Shrewsbury’s great assets, demands protection, and this collection of buildings would be a grave mistake.”

Craig Langley, of the Pengrove Residents’ Association, said the group also objected to the plans and would hold a meeting tonight. He said: “It’s a conservation area.”

Les Stephan, for G C Rickards, said: “As part of the application process we wrote to a number of local residents affected by the proposals and I have had various responses which we are following up.

“We did offer to meet those persons to explain and discuss the proposals and that process is continuing.

“We are aware of the comments received to date and we are considering the points raised and will provide further information to the authority if we consider it necessary.”