Higher Heath homes and shops plan a step closer

A major development of 150 homes, shops and community facilities in north Shropshire village moved a step closer today after planning bosses gave their approval.

Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, is at the centre of the plans tabled by major county employer, logistics firm Grocontinental.

The scheme includes the creation of new jobs and has now been rubber-stamped by Shropshire Council after clearing its first planning hurdle in 2009 under the former North Shropshire District Council.

It means the family-run distribution and storage firm, now on Whitchurch Business Park, can press ahead with plans to re-develop its former depot.

The scheme will include a mix of different house types, in size and tenure, within the development.

A statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: "The site offers the opportunity to create a sensitive and attractive new development and place to live.

"Development of the former Grocontinental site, Higher Heath, will make a substantial positive contribution to the character and environment of this part of Shropshire.

"The development will provide a retail unit and/or community facility. That will create employment opportunities in the service sector."

Access to the site will be taken from Mill Road and Heathwood Road, while works also include creating public open space, landscaping, and car parking. Planning officials took the decision using delegated powers.

Linda Grocott, from the firm, said: "It's exactly the same as the previous application, it's just taken us a period of time to finalise all the details."