Hotel plan for Stew site in Shrewsbury dismissed

Developer Gareth Leese had hoped to knock down The Stew at Frankwell. His plans to replace the building with a hotel received opposition from Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Civic Society, who said if given the go-ahead it would result in the loss of one of the town's heritage assets.

Mr Leese, who owns the building, appealed against the council's refusal but planning inspector Joanna Reid has dismissed the appeal.

Mike Carter, chair of Shrewsbury Civic Society's planning committee, said the dismissal was "good news".

He said: "We're really pleased. The Stew is one of Shrewsbury's remaining buildings associated with the river trade, which was what the town was built upon before the likes of railways and canals. Shrewsbury acted as an inland port.

"Some people would think it's a terrible old building but it's important, it's one of the main pieces of Frankwell's industrial and transport heritage."

Mr Carter said he hoped Mr Leese would consider other ways of making the most of the building. He said: "The Stew is close to where tourists come in from the car park, surely a cafe or restaurant or perhaps an information portal would be useful. A lot of people go over the footbridge there and don't know where to go next.

"Of course whatever is done there needs to be economically feasible but it's so important that the building is retained."

According to Mr Carter, the historic building is seen as valuable to Frankwell residents, as well as the civic society, Shropshire Council and Historic England.

The building dates back to the early 18th century, and shares features of other Georgian buildings of the period within Shrewsbury's conservation area.

Ms Reid said in her appeal decision: "The appeal site is within Frankwell Special Character Area of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area. The existing building at the site, which is known locally as The Stew, would be demolished to make way for the proposed development.

"From my inspection of the site and its surroundings, and from the representations made at the inquiry and in writing, I consider that the main issue in this appeal is whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area."

Welcoming the news of the dismissal, Andy Wigley, the council's natural and historic environment manager, said: "The inspector's decision confirms Shropshire Council's view that The Stew is a regionally important historic building.

"As such, she found the building makes a significant contribution to the character of the Shrewsbury conservation area.

"The inspector concluded any benefits the proposed hotel would deliver would be substantially outweighed by the harm that the demolition of the Stew would cause to the conservation area."

Mr Leese was not available for comment.