£250m plan for town is approved

A massive £250 million scheme to revitalise Telford - bringing shops, bars, cafes and hundreds of homes to the town centre - was today one step closer to reality.

Councillors last night backed the Southwater project setting in motion "one of the most exciting redevelopment projects in the borough" for years.

The regeneration of the St Quentin Gate area of the town by Telford & Wrekin Council and the Southwater Event Group is expected to attract an extra 250,000 visitors to the area each year.

At last night's plans board members agreed to authorise the head of planning, Michael Barker, to grant outline planning permission subject to legal agreements, a string of conditions and the Highways Agency withdrawing its holding objection.

There would have to be further detailed plans submitted for various aspects of the development.

The plans would also see new civic offices for the council, as well as restaurants and a hotel being built at the site. Councillors also backed plans to rearrange existing car parking and create extra spaces at the centre for a temporary period of two years.

In a statement, Councillor Andrew Eade, council leader, said: "I am delighted with the decision by the plans board."

Members last night heard West Mercia Police objected to the application over concerns about extra demands caused by the increased night-time economy.