Call for end to Shropshire hillfort home plans

But residents fighting the proposed development at Cwms Lane, by Caer Caradoc hillfort, near Church Stretton, say the objections by national body Historic England and Shropshire Council's own conservation officer are not enough to kill off the application.

Instead, John Woolmer, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said the developers were being given a chance to come back with revised proposals – despite the strength of feeling from Church Stretton residents.

"We feel collectively we have made a very strong case against it and it should have all been dealt with months ago and thrown out by officers.

"They're looking at protected slopes in the area of outstanding natural beauty when they shouldn't even be considering them."

In a report, Shropshire Council conservation officer Berwyn Murray said the site for the homes was not just in the valley below Caer Caradoc, but also near the grade II listed 18th century farmhouse and barn at New House Farm.

He said: "Whilst we would to some extent agree that the impact on the immediate setting of New House Farm would be small, concerns are raised that the proposed development will urbanise the currently open and agricultural wider setting, which contributes to the significance of New House Farm."

He said it was for that reason he could not support the proposal with the information currently provided.

Meanwhile John Yates, inspector of historic buildings and areas for Historic England, West Midlands, in a letter to Shropshire Council, said: "The hillfort would be closer to the suburbs, and less rural. We therefore reiterate that your council should take these matters into account when determining the application."