Public inquiry date on Ellesmere 68 homes plan

A government planning inspector will consider plans to build 68 homes off Teal Drive in Ellesmere.

The inquiry, which is expected to last three days, will take place in the council chamber in Oswestry, from February 23.

Developer David Wilson Homes has lodged an appeal with the Government Planning Inspectorate over Shropshire Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the scheme.

The council turned down the application last year after ruling that the plans would not enhance the countryside and would have too great a "cumulative impact" when considered alongside other proposed developments.

Council planners also thought another 68 homes, a mix of three, four and five-bedroom properties, would be too much for the town because 700 homes have already been earmarked for the area.

But Les Stephan Planning Ltd appealed against the council's decision on behalf of David Wilson Homes.

Posting on the Ellesmere Community Facebook page, Elaine Gough, said: "Please join our fight if you can make it on the day. It's a good-sized room in the council chamber so we need plenty of opponents to support our case."

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council member for Ellesmere, spoke out strongly against the application at the council planning meeting and was delighted the north planning committee turned down the application. "It is clearly an unsuitable site. It is out of our hands now and I just hope the planning inspector sees sense and listens to the community," she said.

Documents submitted by the agents say the council's reason for refusal has not been demonstrated with "appropriate evidence".

"This site will be a sustainable and valued addition to Ellesmere which will create an attractive urban edge and the delivery of housing in the short term," the documents say.

The documents add: "It is not considered that it encroaches into the countryside or contributes to any harmful erosion in this respect.

"The environmental aspect of this proposal can only seek to enhance the experience for users and neighbouring properties, particularly once the open space is made publicly available following completion.

"We believe that the reason for refusal, which relates solely to the harm caused to the environmental dimension of sustainability, has not been demonstrated with appropriate evidence."