Shropshire Star

Developers shelve Shrewsbury roundabout plans at Shelton Hospital site

Developers have shelved controversial plans to build a mini-roundabout as part of the planned redevelopment of the Shelton Hospital site in Shrewsbury.

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Shropshire Homes plans to transform the site of the former Victorian asylum into 156 luxury flats and homes.

But the original proposal to create a new mini-roundabout sparked concern from residents worried that it could cause traffic problems. The developers have now backed a suggested T-junction instead.

Shropshire Homes' managing director, Howard Thorne, said the decision was made following consultation with the highways agency who have suggested a more "straightforward" layout.

"Very simply the roundabout was initially proposed by the county council highways officers," he said.

"In light of comments the county council has now indicated that it would be happy with a straightforward T-junction which we have gone along with.

"The meeting is a chance to do some fine tuning and we will be suggesting proposals for the cricket pitch alongside improved access to Oxon Primary School."

The news has been welcomed by Councillor Peter Nutting, who has previously voiced concerns about the scheme.

He said: "As I understand it Shropshire Homes will be at the planning meeting to address concerns.

"The main thing was the roundabout which will no longer be going ahead and that's obviously very good news.

"They are also going to put netting up by the cricket pitch but I am not convinced that it will actually be strong enough to make much of a difference.

"There is also concern for the car parking for the new bowling green which Shropshire Homes don't actually want to pay for so there are an awful lot of things to be discussed."

Residents have previously claimed that the mini-roundabout would cause "traffic chaos" should it go ahead – as it is less then 100 metres from an existing larger one.

Campaigners believe it will create a danger spot for traffic, in an area which already has congestion problems.

Shelton Cricket Club has also raised concerns about the impact of the development. The current plans leave only a small boundary between the pitch and the proposed houses, which the club believes is a health and safety risk.

The plans will be discussed at a Shrewsbury Town Council planning meeting on Tuesday at The Guild Hall, starting at 6pm.

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