New houses in Market Drayton 'would change town forever', appeal told

Campaigners fighting the plans for land off Rush Lane in Market Drayton said the development would put unnecessary pressure on the town's medical centre, schools and cause sewage problems.

The appeal, held at the Festival Drayton Centre, was launched by Gladmans Development Limited.

Plans for the development and another application for 250 homes nearby were given approval by Shropshire Council last year despite a storm of opposition.

But Gladmans launched an appeal into planning conditions and technicalities imposed on the development.

Sandra Kiessling, one of those campaigning against the development, said: "It will change the face of Market Drayton forever.

"It will turn a quaint market town like the one we have now into somewhere like Telford.

"The impact on traffic has to be considered – there have been other examples in other parts of the country where the traffic problems have turned out to be problematic."

Miss Kiessling, who lives on Rush Lane, said: "This site, in terms of conservation, is also not ideal. There are newts and more wildlife living there. The water table would also be in danger."

The access to the site is also a concern to residents, as the current plans include building a roundabout on the main A53 to link to the proposed development site.

Alison Lewis, another resident of the town, told the hearing: "This application will see two pieces of land dissected by Rush Lane.

"The A53 will be the only access to the site – this is not acceptable.

"It is my belief that residents' queries have not been taken into consideration."

Others told planning inspector Rosalyn Kirby that the town's facilities such as the medical centre and schools would not be able to cope with an influx of residents.

Resident Neil Tasker added: "This town will not be able to cope. It will not be able to care for the residents."

Derek Armytage added: "Nobody will feel the benefit of this scheme other than Gladmans."

Lawrie Lane, for Gladmans, told the hearing that the company had worked hard on the planning process with the council.

He said: "We consider we have done a thorough job on the masterplan and we have met with representatives of the sports clubs and locals and we engaged with land owners."

Mrs Kirby will report back with her findings into the appeal and on the future of the application in the near future.