Shropshire Star

Concern at plan for 30 more homes in Shropshire village

Villagers in rural Shropshire are concerned about plans that could see another 30 homes built on their doorstep.

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Plans for 25 homes in Stoke Heath, near Market Drayton, won the backing of both villagers and the parish council, but there were concerns at proposals for more homes.

Stoke-upon-Tern Parish Council called a meeting to discuss the proposals for 30 homes off Dutton Close and more than 30 people attended.

Councillor Peter Waters, parish council chairman, said the first phase of the plans met with no objections. But he added: "This time we discussed the second phase. The residents spoke about their concern for 30 more homes in the village.

"Their main concerns were the infrastructure of the village. They were worried the sewerage and draining systems would not cope with 55 homes."

At the end of the meeting councillors voted against the second phase of 30 more homes, citing concerns over the impact on the village infrastructure, increased traffic and pressure for places at the village school.

The developer will now have time to look at the response to Tuesday night's meeting and decide whether they want to submit their plans to Shropshire Council.

Councillor Waters said: "After the positivity around the first phase of the development I thought the residents would be positive about this one.

"I am sitting on the fence. After listening to the residents I realise this is a big development and a lot would need to be sorted in the village if the plans were approved.

"The main road into the village is narrow and already busy providing an access road to many facilities including the prison, retirement and travellers site. That would need to be looked at.

"As a parish council we listen to the resident's views in order to represent them - that is why we are here.

"So we are taking on board what has been said and vote against the plans.

"We will wait and see what comes next."

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