Narrow streets spark concern over Bishop's Castle housing

Plans to build homes on land off Woodbatch Road in Bishop's Castle have been thrown out after concerns about more cars using Kerry Road were raised by residents and the town's Shropshire councillor Charlotte Barnes.

It has been suggested that developers look at alternative sites to the north of the town, which residents say would be more suitable as the roads are in a better condition.

The applicant for the proposed development had suggested proioritising traffic down Kerry Lane and had pledged to make a financial contribution to widening Woodbatch Road. But Councillor Barnes said there were places on Kerry Road where two cars could not pass, and described the idea of buiilding homes in the area as "ridiculous".

The proposals were rejected unanimously by members of Shropshire Council' south planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor Charlotte Barnes, speaking during the meeting, said: "Nobody is happy with the proposed road alterations.

"I think it is the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard.

"It doesn't take into account access to get to the road in the first place.

"There are places where two cars can't pass.

"For a town the size of Bishop's Castle, this is a significant development."

Councillor Barnes also said the town was not adverse to development, and the town council had outlined areas they felt suitable for development in the north of the town - where the infrastructure would be more suited to a major development.

Councillor Heather Kidd, who represents Chirbury and Worthen, said: "I am worried, if we accept the developers contribution, we would be taking money we can't use.

"There is no way to improve the situation on those roads."

Members of the committee also said that more weight should be given to the fact that local councillors had identified suitable sites in their own SamDev proposals.

Councillor David Turner, member for Much Wenlock, said: "They are the people who really know what it is like there, morning, noon and night and they should be listened to."

Councillors resolved to reject the proposals as the site had been rejected under the town's SamDev proposals due to the access. Other reasons were because Bishop's Castle has greater need for affordable housing which the proposed site would contribute little to and because the roads leading to the site are unsuitable for existing traffic.