Shropshire Star

Refusal looming over Ellesmere homes bid near Mere

Controversial plans to build new homes next to a beauty spot are set to be thrown out.

Published
The Mere at Ellesmere

Shropshire Council's planning officers feel the scheme to build up to nine homes in Ellesmere would harm the town's mere which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The plans, which feature building on land north east of Swan Hill, were submitted just a year after a similar scheme to build 22 homes on the same site were thrown out.

Residents and councillors, who also fear building the homes could have a negative impact on the tourist hotspot, campaigned against the original scheme and have also objected to the fresh one.

The 22-home plan was thrown out by a planning inspector in January last year after a petition of 2,000 names was submitted on behalf of residents.

Now CMS JAW Ltd has applied for planning permission for nine single-storey homes. The new scheme is due to be discussed by Shropshire Council's north planning committee on Tuesday at Shirehall at 2pm.

As well as an objection from Ellesmere Town Council, more than 40 letters from residents have been submitted to Shropshire Council against the proposal.

Mandy Evans, clerk to Ellesmere Town Council, said the council wants to "protect and enhance the ecological, tourist and economic interests of this important natural, environmental and tourist resource for the long-term benefit of the town and future generations."

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council member for Ellesmere, added: "I feel that on environmental issues alone the application is unsuitable, given its close proximity to The Mere.

"The proposals will undoubtedly harm the character of the surrounding area, and will have an unacceptable impact on The Mere location. Housing development would be completely unacceptable."

A report on behalf of Shropshire Council's planning officers said: "The proposed scheme would provide economic and social benefits, including the provision of new homes and construction jobs. However, these benefits would be achieved regardless of where the new dwellings would be built

"However, this must be balanced against the harm that would be caused to the setting of The Mere, Cremorne Gardens, the street scene in Swan Hill, and the setting of the adjacent conservation area which weighs negatively against the proposal."

CMS JAW Ltd says the site does not fall within a green belt or area of outstanding natural beauty, nor is it subject to any special planning designation in recognition of its landscape or ecological value.

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