The battle for a controversial new housing development near Wem is hotting up after a second developer was granted planning permission for the site.

Residents in Harmer Hill lost their campaign against proposals by Fieldcrest Partnership for 18 new homes in Lower Road which were given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council earlier this year.

And now a second application by Shingler Homes has been approved for 16 new homes on the same site.

Despite both developers winning planning permission, only one will build the new estate.

The new application is for a mix of three and four-bedroom properties and also includes creating associated access, parking, open space and garden areas.

Graham Abrahams, of Harmer Hill, said: “I feel that the design and siting of the houses are worse than the previous application, with little thought about how the new houses will impact on the existing residences.

“I have very serious concerns about the amount of traffic generated along Lower Road, which is a single track road with a 60mph speed limit for much of its length, despite having two dangerous bends.”

But a report on behalf of Shropshire Council said: “The development is considered to be an appropriate density, layout and scale.

“It is considered to not have an unacceptably detrimental impact on the character of the area. The local road network is considered to be capable of accepting the additional traffic flows.”

More than 50 letters were received by the council regarding the previously approved scheme with concerns raised about location, over-development, noise, light pollution, and traffic.

Myddle and Broughton Parish Council also objected because of concerns with drainage, poor access and the design being out of keeping with the surroundings.

Meanwhile, in a separate application, plans have also been approved by delegated powers to create five houses with associated garaging and parking in Firdene off Ellesmere Road.