We can't stop housing plans says Shropshire Council

Members approved the applications despite describing different plans as "awful", "horrendous" and "dangerous".

Shropshire Council's central planning committee approved several applications during a four-hour meeting at Shirehall yesterday. The councillors said they were unhappy with the location and principle of development but felt they had no option but to let the schemes through.

They said refusing applications would leave the council liable to having their decisions overturned on appeal, costing taxpayers' money through having to pay legal costs for developers.

Because of a current lack of available housing land, Government guidelines mean there has to be a presumption in favour of sustainable development in the county.

An outline application for 19 properties on land off Falklands Road in Dorrington was the first to be approved, despite concerns about the site's proximity to the A49.

Councillor Peter Nutting said: "I don't like this application, it is awful."

Also passed for Dorrington were outline applications for two houses each at land at Jubilee Farm and land off Limes Paddock – both opposed by Condover Parish Council,.

A full planning application for nine houses off Pulley Lane in Bayston Hill was also approved. Councillor Kevin Pardy, who voted against the application, said he could not support it as he considered the access arrangements "dangerous".

Also approved was an application for outline planning permission for a yet-to-be determined number of houses opposite The Crescent in Nesscliffe, two detached properties at Bicton Hall in Bicton, and an outline application for one house in Dorset Street, Shrewsbury.