230 homes and eco park look set for go-ahead in Shrewsbury

The development off Shillingston Drive in Berwick Grange has been recommended for approval by planning officers at Shropshire Council ahead of a key meeting on Thursday.

It comes despite complaints that the project includes too many homes, would lead to increased traffic in the area and that the proposed play area is too close to overhead power lines.

Shrewsbury Town Council has also criticised the developers Persimmon Homes.

A decision is expected to be made by councillors at next week's meeting of the council's central planning committee at Shirehall. It is the final hurdle for the project to clear after outline plans for the development were approved in January.

Persimmon Homes say the project will include an eco park with play areas, footpaths and ponds to encourage wildlife to the area. About 35 affordable homes will be built as part of the scheme.

It marks the latest chapter of a four-year wrangle over the site. A bid was made in 2011 to build 250 homes, before outline plans for 230 homes were given the green light two years ago. Revised outline proposals were then approved earlier this year, and final consent is set to be granted next week.

But the plans have not found favour with residents.

Philip Musgrave, who lives in the area, said he felt previous concerns raised had been "ignored" by the developers.

He said: "The plan shows tree planting, an 'eco park' and a children's play area directly below the marked high voltage transmission lines. I do not believe the provision of areas likely to attract children directly beneath high voltage power lines is appropriate."

Helen Ball, clerk of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "Members do not object to the principle of developing this site but they are disappointed that no pre-consultation discussions have taken place. They would welcome the opportunity to meet the developers and discuss the layout of the site. "The proposed one access point to serve hundreds of properties is inadequate and the town council would respectfully ask that the developers revisits this aspect as it is likely to be a contentious topic for local residents.

"Members also question the location of the play area and can only conclude that it has been positioned where it is as it is undevelopable land rather than in the best location."

The Woodland Trust has also objected, claiming the proposed site is too close to the edge of ancient woodland.

Tim Rogers, case officer for Shropshire Council, said in a report to councillors: "The play area will not directly affect the powerlines and conversely the use of the play area by individual children will be intermittent rather the more prolonged use associated with residential occupancy.

"There is no clear evidence that a potential health issue will arise as a result of the location of the play area.

"The issue of access of Shillingston Drive was considered in detail as part of the outline submission."

Thursday's meeting at Shirehall will start at 2pm and members of the public are welcome.