Halfway House plans given the green light

Councillors have approved renovation works to the building following a lengthy battle by owner Sean Saward.

Mr Saward, who was not at last night's meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee where councillors gave their blessing to his project, is said to be "delighted".

The future of the building has been in jeopardy since Mr Saward went ahead with the work unaware he needed planning permission. He replaced brickwork with timber cladding, put in new dormer windows and set up an outbuilding for a vending machine.

He submitted a retrospective planning application after learning he had fallen foul of the rules.

But officers said the changes were not in keeping with the original building. The ruling raised doubts over the house's future as Mr Saward, who has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into the project, said he could not afford to start again from scratch.

Discussions have since been held between council planning officers and Mr Saward, and agreements reached over changes to the project. A stabilisation study for a proposed car port has also been submitted.

Mr Saward was unable to attend the meeting as he was away in France on business. But Councillor Jacqui Seymour, ward member for Wrockwardine, spoke on his behalf.

Addressing the meeting held at the Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington, Councillor Seymour said: "Mr Saward sends his apologies that he is absent from this third consideration.

"But he is delighted that an agreement has now been reached with the planning officers.

"He is very anxious now to carry on with the repair and renovation works.

"I am also delighted that this iconic building will not be left to deteriorate further and the refreshment facilities for those thousands of walkers who walk up the hill will soon be restored."

Members of the committee said hey were pleased that changes had been made to ensure the building would be more sympathetic with the scenery of The Wrekin.

Councillor Nigel Dugmore, who represents Muxton, said: "It is good to see the applicant and officers have worked together to resolve a lot of the issues."

The plans were unanimously approved.