66 new homes in Shifnal recommended for approval

The proposals for land off the A464 by Redrow Homes was initially for 68 homes and a school car park and drop-off point for the nearby St Andrews CofE Primary School.

However, changes have been made to the plans to remove the car parking facility, in a bid to discourage parents from driving their children to school.

The plans will be decided by Shropshire Council's South Planning Committee on June 24.

In a report to councillors, officer Richard Fortune said: "Following discussions with the applicant and agent about highway safety concerns raised by Highways Development Control in relation to the potential impact of the car park drop off area on the A464 and the encouragement it would give to use of cars as a mode of travel to school and the impact the access to the car park would have in requiring the felling of a significant landscape tree, the school car park proposal has been deleted from the application.

"This and other amendments have resulted in an increase in the amount of open space within the scheme."

Plans also include improving vehicular access of the A464 into the site and a new footpath would be provided leading from the new development to the roundabout which has been built as part of the nearby Thomas Beddoes Court development.

Of the 66 new homes, 10 would be provided as affordable housing, split into two terraces of three units and one terrace of four units with forecourt parking.

Shifnal Town Council has objected to the proposals, which have also received 12 comments from residents who say that the town is being forced to accept a disproportionately high quantity of new homes compared to other market towns.

A total of 1,600 new homes have been proposed for Shifnal, which would potentially raise its population by 60 per cent.

However, the plans have been recommended for approval, subject to agreement on the need to provide affordable housing, contributions to the highways strategy for Shifnal, a reduction of the speed limit on the A464, provision of maintenance of the open spaces and a mitigation strategy being put in place for Great Crested Newts on the site.

Mr Fortune said: "This site is a sustainable location, adjacent to existing housing immediately adjoining the built-up area of Shifnal and would satisfy the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

"This site is deliverable within the immediate five-year timescale."