Controversial bid for 62 Shrewsbury homes backed
Monday 19th December 2011, 7:00PM GMT.
Controversial plans for more than 60 new homes in Shrewsbury have been approved, despite fears they would lead to increased traffic problems and damage local wildlife.
Developers applied for permission to build 62 homes on land at Mill Road, in Abbey Foregate. Residents and groups had objected claiming the plans would cause dangerous traffic congestion and damage local wildlife.
But at a meeting of Shropshire Council’s central planning committee at Shirehall on Friday the plans were approved by a majority of seven votes to one.
However the provision of a footbridge near the development is still under discussion between developers, councillors and residents.
The approved plans include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats, plus three and four-bedroom town houses and eight affordable homes.
A number of public bodies raised concerns on the scheme during consultation, including Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shrewsbury Town Council and West Mercia Probation Office.
The wildlife trust claimed the development would damage the Rea Brook corridor. In a statement it said: “The Rea Brook corridor is an extremely important feature of cultural, natural and historical significance and should be protected from any development reducing its value.
“The residential development would reduce the width of the existing corridor, sterilise the site in relation to any future environmental enhancements and detract from the quiet enjoyment and public appreciation of nature.”
And Shrewsbury Town Council said: “Increased traffic will impact on the surrounding roads which will be unable to cope.
But Shropshire Council said: “The development is considered to be of a good quality which will enhance the character of the area.”
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Of course, what the town really needs is more small over priced ‘luxury’ 1 bedroom flats!
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The approved plans include a mix of one,two and three-bedroom flats, plus three and four-bedroom town houses and eight affordable homes.
Looks like a bit of a mixture to me..
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Affordable homes like the ones that have gone up on the old hospital site, with the advert being ’2-3 bedroom houses starting from £149,000′. Really affordable!
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