Plans for 500 homes on Telford factory site set for approval
A controversial plan to build more than 500 homes on the site of a former factory is set to be approved for a second time when it goes back before planning chiefs.
The outline application for 540 homes at the former Maxell factory site at Apley Wood, Telford, has been recommended for approval in principle by officers ahead of a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee on Monday, June 22.
It is the second time a decision will have been made on the plans by councillors – the application is one of 11 plans being looked at again after the council determined it had satisfied Government targets of having a five-year supply of land for housing.
But in a report, planning officer Gareth Thomas, recommending outline permission be granted, said there was "no material change in circumstances".
He said: "The proposed development is located within the built up area of Telford, on largely brownfield land and will deliver significant essential infrastructure funding."
That funding would mean more than £1 million being put towards facilities at Millbrook Primary School and more than £500,000 towards Charlton School. Highway and maintenance contributions would also be demanded.
In a statement to planners the applicants said area is capable of accommodating the number of houses and is a
'suitable location for housing development and is largely brownfield land'.
With the application being reconsidered, campaigners have used the opportunity to repeat their objections to the application, citing concerns about school places in the area and gridlocked roads if the development does go ahead.
J-Ross Developments said it believes the site represents an opportunity to provide a sustainable high quality mixed residential development and provides a valuable contribution to the strategic highways infrastructure in Telford.
Nick Scott, CEO of J-Ross Developments Ltd said: "We welcome the local planning authority's reconfirmation of their recommendation for approval."
Planning officers say local education and highways officials have addressed those concerns.
A statement from Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council said: "The council has concerns regarding capacity of schools in the local area and their ability to absorb the number of potential new students this development will bring."
