Parking plan for site as homes on hold

Controversial plans to build 10 homes in a conservation area in Shrewsbury have been put on hold by the developer because of the credit crunch.

But Morris Property, which owns the land at the back of Column House, Preston Street, plans to use it as a temporary car park with 80 spaces for the next two years.

Bosses at the building firm have decided to put plans for the three-storey houses on hold because of the poor housing market.

They say the idea should help parking problems in the area. The aim is for permits to be issued and parking to be controlled by an attendant from 7am to 7pm.

An application to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council states: “The residential market is presently adversely affected by the credit crisis and Morris Property feel it is unwise to start building the dwellings for a couple of years.

“Therefore in order to use the site which is predominately hard surfacing being a brown field site and keep it tidy, it would be beneficial to use it as a temporary car park for two years.”

Work on a sewer will still start on July 21, because part of the approval for the homes scheme said Morris Property must construct a sewer to London Road.

The statement says: “The approved housing development requires the access and storm water drainage to Preston Street to be improved and the work will be put in hand prior to the Preston Street access being used for the temporary car park.”

A decision is due to be reached by August 25.

Robin Morris, director of Morris and Company, said: “The car park will be managed with an attendant and will assist in relieving congestion in the area.”