Shropshire Star

Plans for 500 homes on Telford factory site

Controversial plans have been submitted to build more than 500 homes and a number of shops on a factory site in Telford.

Published

More than 200 residents have objected to a bid for outline planning permission by J Ross Developments to develop the former Maxell Europe factory site at Apley Wood.

The plastics manufacturer moved its final 70 staff out of the factory in December to move to a new site on the nearby Hortonwood industrial estate in the town.

Now developers want to demolish the old factory and build 540 homes on the site.

The application also includes plans for a local shopping centre which will include a supermarket, other shops and possibly a pharmacy.

Katherine Else, associate for consultancy firm RPS, which has submitted the application on behalf of J Ross Developments, said: "The site unfortunately is no longer suitable for employment purposes and is much more suited to a residential-led development that will be able to contribute positively toward the local area and respect its character. The residential development will include a mix of open market and affordable homes, a network of interconnecting streets, linear green routes, new footpaths and areas of formal and informal open space.

"It would be supported by a local centre that will deliver jobs and be complementary to existing services in the local area."

But 202 objections have been submitted to the scheme, largely by residents living nearby.

Councillor Karen Blundell, ward member on Telford & Wrekin Council, said the application needed to be heard by councillors on the planning committee rather than officers making a delegated decision.

She added: "I have serious concerns about the infrastructure as the local schools do not appear to have capacity for the extra primary and secondary pupils. The new Charlton School is being built with capacity to accommodate the current level of pupils, where do we expect the additional pupils to go?

"As this development is close to Apley woods the visitor car park should be larger to ensure that the viability of the woods are not compromised, as Apley woods will soon be enveloped by development from all sides."

Maxell was launched in the 1960s, and has had a base in Telford for around 30 years.

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