Beauty spot homes plan cut back after angry backlash

Fresh plans have been unveiled to build 10 homes on land off Church Street in Ellesmere - close to the town's Mere which attracts hundreds of visitors every year.

Earlier this year developers Greenspace Architects Ltd had suggested building up to 24 homes on the site, only for residents to claim the plan would destroy the area's natural beauty.

A full planning application has now been submitted to build 10 homes of two, three and five bedrooms and said that the plans could be "one coordinated development to upgrade and improve this area of town".

Greenspace has argued that the Church Street proposal could have a positive impact on the town and promote stronger links between the town and the Mere by opening up a connection and improving the existing footpath.

It said: "Development on the edge of the Mere will always evoke strong public opinion, but high-quality proposals in the hands of local architects with a passion for, and commitment to, the town, together with the benefits brought

by the funds generated, will conserve and enhance this beautiful place."

But separate applications to build near the mere site have previously sparked opposition from local campaigners who said developments could destroy "Shropshire's best natural habitat".

Plans to build 22 home next to the Mere on Swan Hill were thrown out by a planning inspector earlier in the year when a petition of 2,000 names was submitted when residents worried about the impact a build could have on tourism in the town.

The inspector said the build would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area.

Ellesmere Town Council has yet to see the application for Church Street, and Mayor Alan Clarke said he could not comment on the plans before it was discussed.

But councillors have recently said they could fight a recent decision made by Shropshire Council after permission was granted to build 130 homes elsewhere in the town near Trimpley Street.

The town council has instead been supporting potential plans to build only on The Wharf site, which is earmarked for a leisure centre, hotel and tourist development along with 250 homes.

The planning application for the Church Street homes can be found on Shropshire Council's website.