Controversial Church Stretton homes plan back on agenda
Controversial plans to build 85 homes next to a Shropshire hillfort and beauty spot are back on the table as developers hope road safety fears have been resolved.
The plans, at New House Farm by Caer Caradoc hillfort, near Church Stretton, were put on hold in March as Highways England had concerns about the safety of a proposed junction onto the busy A49 trunk road.
But coming as a fatal crash has just happened near that very junction, town councillors are worried the danger on that stretch could be "exacerbated", Church Stretton mayor Michael Walker said.
Ken Gwilliam, 64, died after his truck was in collision with a lorry on the A49 at Leebotwood, near what could be the New House Farm housing estate junction, on Saturday.
Councillor Walker said: "We are obviously concerned and somewhat shocked about what has happened on that stretch of road over the last weekend.
"A cloud hangs over the town when we think about something like this and we're concerned this is now going to exacerbate the problem on that stretch.
"If you stop to turn there you realise the speed the traffic is going – as it goes around the bend it goes up a hill and straight into there. Personally I think it's horrendous."
