Homes bid for arson-hit Telford pub site is thrown out

Edis Developments in Shropshire lodged a planning application with Telford & Wrekin Council to demolish The Swan, in Waters Upton, and build five houses on the site last year.

The pub, which lies next to the A442, closed nine years ago and suffered two arson attacks last year. It has since been registered as an asset of community value by the parish council, which wants to buy the former pub and reopen a community facility on the land.

The plans by Edis Developments in Shropshire have now been rejected by Telford & Wrekin Council. A decision notice, issued by the authority, said the principle of the development was "unacceptable" and would lead to the loss of existing land and buildings used for the benefit of the needs of the community.

It said: "Furthermore, the development would involve the loss of a building which has been listed as an asset of community value.

"The local planning authority considers that the scale, design and density of the proposed development is unacceptable and would lead to properties that are out of keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area and would appear excessively dominant, to the detriment of the application site, its rural location and in comparison to adjacent buildings."

Katrina Baker, clerk to Waters Upton Parish Council, said the decision was good news for the community. She said: "The community were very strong in their views that the site was unsuitable for further development. It was more than just a pub. It was a meeting place. It was the heart of the village.

"It gives us more time to move forward to try and get a community establishment. The next stage will be negotiating a price with the owner."

The pub closed in 2007 after the licensees Steve and Sue Ralph claimed to have been squeezed out of business by high rents and over-priced beer.