Controversial village housing plan looks set for approval

An outline application for a residential development off Bearstone Road in Norton-in-Hales, near Market Drayton, could be approved by Shropshire Council on Tuesday after planning officers said reasons for its refusal "may not be defensible if challenged".

Councillors at the north planning meeting in September refused the application, against their officers' recommendation, because they had concerns over "the cumulative impact the development would have on the village".

But the plans could be given another look after the planning officer advised the reasons for refusal needed to be reviewed.

The proposal, which has been submitted by JRT Developments Ltd, is for 14 houses, including two affordable homes, and has been criticised by residents who say it could spoil the village's character.

They also claim there have been too many applications for development around the village.

One resident, Ann Coupe, said: "This is yet another application that will increase the traffic load to dangerous levels without a proven need for more housing.

"I hope that the wishes of the villagers will be taken into consideration when decisions are made, protecting the safety of the environment is vitally important to existing homes and families."

But developers have said that the homes will contribute to the council's shortfall in housing supply, as well as "supporting existing local facilities and the public house" as well as "supporting the school".

Whilst the final decision on the plans will be made by the planning committee, the planning officer has once again recommended the plans for approval.

Other applications have been put forward for sites around the village, including 19 homes off Chapel Lane in the village and 14 north of Norton Farm on Main Road.

Permissiom for the Main Road application was granted last month after councillors said it would be "unfair" to refuse the plans, and that it was a "good site, with a good school and in a sustainable area".