1,100 Telford homes scheme given go-ahead by council

The development to the east of Castle Farm Way in Priorslee was given the blessing of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee last night.

It comes despite fears being raised that the new homes would put extra strain on local services and double the size of Priorslee once the development is complete.

Work is expected to begin in 2017 and take 13 years to carry out.

Outline plans were approved at the meeting at Telford's Whitehouse Hotel, giving the go-ahead to the development in principle. Planning officers had recommended the plans be approved ahead of the meeting.

Councillor Veronica Fletcher:

"The proposal would double the size of Priorslee by 2030, but there are no infrastructure improvements that will support that."

The new estate would include a school for up to 420 pupils, a 60-unit retirement village, a doctor's surgery, playing fields, an orchard and allotments.

One of the speakers against the proposal was Priorslee ward councillor Ian Fletcher. He said: "While the plan is well written, it will create a further strain on the local infrastructure and therefore the application should be rejected."

Councillor Veronica Fletcher, who also represents Priorslee, said: "The proposal would double the size of Priorslee by 2030, but there are no infrastructure improvements that will support that.

"It would lead to an increase in noise, pollution and the potential for traffic accidents – it is a crisis waiting to happen."

Paul Thomas, a local resident, said: "It will change Priorslee into an urban-sprawl and I do wonder if there is really a demand for this amount of housing. Other outline planning applications have been approved in Telford but as yet remain undeveloped."

Councillor Nigel Dugmore, who represents Muxton, said that while it was well designed plan, he doubted all the things promised would all be delivered.

He said: "This development would blight the people of Priorslee for 13 years while it is being constructed."

Michael Parkinson, representing developers Miller Homes, said: "The proposal would meet future housing needs and create employment possibilities.

"We have also had no objections from Highways England or Telford & Wrekin Council in regard of the existing infrastructure."

Vincent Meher, a council planning officer, said the roads could handle the increase in traffic.

He said: "Planning estimates are that the 1,100 homes will increase the population in the area by between 2,700 and 3,600 people.

"The scheme is well designed and provides a lot of benefits, the developers have shown how well their proposal will fit into the existing area and I believe planning permission should be granted."

The plans were approved by five votes to three. Speaking after the meeting, a spokesman for Miller Homes welcomed the decision.