Shropshire Star

Planners still have “key concerns” over plans for a new 10-storey hotel which could be built on the Shrewsbury site once occupied by the former eyesore Telephone House just weeks before the proposals will be debated.

They are concerned that 24-hour emergency access from the site in Smithfield Road has not been secured as it is at risk of flooding.

Environment Agency bosses have already lodged their objections to the plans because of the concerns over flooding on the site where Dunedin Property wants to be build a 126-bedroom hotel, restaurant/cafe and 40 apartments.

But a document from Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council’s head of planning policy David Wallace focusing on the relevant policies for the application says the proposals would be supported “in principle”, although there are “key concerns”.

The local plans consultation document has been drawn up ahead of a meeting on April 22 when councillors will debate whether to approve or refuse the proposals.

The document says: “Key concerns remain over the compatibility of residential use within this location and the fact that safe, dry and 24-hour emergency access from the site has not been secured.”

With regards to the hotel Mr Wallace says that a policy does support the development of visitor accommodation within the town centre, providing that nine criteria are met.

The document adds: “Although the proposal meets several of the criteria, the conservation and design team should be consulted over the design of this development which is located within the town centre conservation area.

“I also have concerns over a housing development being incorporated within this scheme and possible conflicts of use between residents, hotel guests and the surrounding existing retail uses.”

The document adds that the “overall concern remains that residential development in this location may not be suitable” and may not meet requirements for a “safe and dry 24-hour emergency access.”

By John Kirk