Core Strategy – the words appear to be typical ‘councilese’ jargon and rather dry, writes Local Government Correspondent Dave Morris.

But we would be rather foolish to yawn and dismiss them.

What the words refer to is likely to have a major impact on Shropshire.

The Core Strategy, which has been drawn up by Shropshire Council, sets out the planning policies that will help shape the development of the county over the next 15 to 20 years.

It will be used to guide decisions on planning applications to 2026.

The strategy recommends that during this period up to 27,500 new homes can be built in Shropshire “if required”.

It claims that this figure is reasonable, realistic and appropriate to help to address the needs of Shropshire, and that it reflects local needs, demands and aspirations.

The county needs to move forward and can’t afford to stand still. But the housing figure does seem big.

Will Shropshire’s infrastucture and services have to be dramatically overhauled to cope with such development?

How far do the strategy policies go to meeting local need, particularly for affordable homes.

Or will many of the new houses be used by older ‘incomers’ who see Shropshire as a very attractive (rightly so) part of the country in which to spend their retirement. That might be problem.

Over the next 10 to 15 years the population of Shropshire – including Telford & Wrekin – will grow by at least 10 per cent.

And within this growth there will be a particular rise in the number of older people -those over the age of 65. It is estimated that this figure will increase from under 80,000 in 2007 to nearly 120,000 by 2022.

I don’t want to sound ageist – goodness knows I’m often on the receiving end of ageist jokes – but surely a large older population is going to put extra strain on what are already stretched and under-funded social care and health services.

I know I’m straying a bit here (could be an age thing!) but what I’m saying is that 26,500 new homes could have an impact on both public services as well as the countryside.

Perhaps I’m unduly worried.

Shirehall planners seem happy enough.

And the in initial results from a massive consultation on a second major planning document going before the council cabinet next week, appear to support the Core Strategy figure.

The Core Strategy will be the subject of an eight-day public inquiry, starting on November 16.