Go-ahead to build 90 more homes in north Shropshire town

Planning officers gave permission for the 90 homes to be built on a site off Tarporley Road, in Whitchurch.

It follows the approval by councillors in September for 100 homes to be built off Alport Road, close to Whitchurch Community Hospital.

About 30 people objected to the Tarporley Road proposal over fears it would lead to road safety issues, congestion and access problems.

But planning officer Tim Rogers said he believed there was nothing in the proposal, submitted by Cassidy and Ashton, to cause a serious impact to the area.

He said: "The proposed development is considered to represent sustainable development in a sustainable location. It is not considered there would be any significant adverse impacts of the proposal that would outweigh the benefits."

Some residents raised concerns over the loss of countryside.

Ray Bebbington said: "The views to the rear of our property were one of the main reasons for moving to Whitchurch from Cheshire six years ago. As we look out the back window there are fields as far as the eye can see. This would obviously disappear.

"We have both recently retired to enjoy these surroundings with our grandchildren so as you can imagine, this proposal has come as somewhat of a kick in the teeth."

Residents have also said that the plans could increase traffic and make nearby roads unsafe.

Dora Marlow, who objected to the plans on the Shropshire Council website, said: "The hospital traffic makes the road very busy and it can be very difficult to travel with cars parked on the side of the road.

"It is already very difficult for farm vehicles to access the road safely, I fear this will only get worse. And emergency vehicles travelling to the hospital or any of the houses in Alport Road, Claypit Street or Mile Bank will potentially struggle to travel safely. It could be a life- threatening situation."