Fears have been raised that a former garage site in Market Drayton earmarked for a major housing development could be contaminated.

Proposals have been put forward to knock down the Phoenix Garage in Great Hales Street as part of the development, which is within a conservation area.

Plans have also been submitted by Mr Beverley Griffiths to build 14 dwellings on the site, including two and three storey houses and apartments, and associated works.

But concerns have been raised by the Public Protection department at Shropshire Council over land contamination and possible asbestos within the buildings. Officers have called for more investigations to be carried out to assess the risk.

A report0 by Dominic Levy, contaminated land officer, says: “Contamination has been identified and further investigation work is recommended to assess the extent of the hydrocarbon contamination and gather additional information in order to assess the risks to human health and groundwater.

“An asbestos survey of the buildings was recommended prior to any demolition works commencing.”

Approval has previously been given for the site to be developed but that permission has now expired so the fresh bid to develop the site has been made.

Mr Levy adds a range of conditions should be attached if planning permission is given the go-ahead.

These include a survey of the extent, scale and nature of contamination and a detailed remediation scheme to bring the site to a condition suitable for its intended use.

The public has until April 13 to comment on the plans as part of the consultation over the development.