Wem homes plan protest over floods fear near centre

Tuesday 1st November 2011, 11:29AM GMT.

More than 800 people have signed a petition against a controversial housing development which opponents fear could spark widespread flooding in the centre of Wem.

Developers want to build 22 homes on Mill Street, opposite the recently completed Wem Mill development.

They say the scheme would actually reduce the flood risk if it goes ahead.

But following a public exhibition of the plans in Wem Town Hall last week, about 200 people have added their names to an original petition signed by more than 600 objectors.

The event was held in a bid to ease people’s fears about the scheme increasing the risk of flooding and gave them the chance to ask questions.

Councillor Peggy Carson, of Wem Town Council, said: “There were about 630 signatures on the original petition and since last week’s meeting another 200 must have signed it.

“Everyone seems to be against it. A lot of them are worried about the flood plain. There were a lot of very irate people coming out of the meeting last week.

“I intend to go around the town this week collecting even more signatures. People can also write letters to the planning department at Edinburgh House.”

The scheme was put on hold due to concerns raised by the Environment Agency over the effect it would have on the flood plain, as the site lies close to the River Roden.

But architects have now submitted alterations which they say have approval from EA bosses.