Shropshire Star

Plan for older people's homes near Whitchurch set to be approved

Plans to provide independent living accommodation for older people near Whitchurch have been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Published

The scheme, which has sparked concerns from parish councillors, involves creating eight single-bedroom, non-market properties in Whitchurch Road, Prees.

Applicant the Grocott Family Charitable Trust, which was established by the owners of Whitchurch-based haulage and storage firm Grocontinental, said the non-market homes would be aimed at older people with a link to the firm.

But Prees Parish Council has objected to the proposal after saying the site is outside the development boundary for the village.

Shropshire Council received no other representations from members of the public during consultation.

The scheme, which has been recommended for approval by the council's planning officers, will now be discussed by the north planning committee at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Tuesday at 2pm.

The proposed housing estate would be based alongside the village's recently-built medical centre, to which the trust gave a £1 million donation.

Grocontinental chairman Ray Grocott said it was a way for his family to give something back to the village where they have always lived.

"These won't be affordable homes – they will be for people with a link to our business and our family," he said.

A statement on behalf of Shropshire Council case officer Sue Collins said: "The design and scale of the proposal is appropriate for its intended use and location, and will not result in the isolated provision of housing development."

Meanwhile, controversial plans to create two agricultural sheds on Little Acorn Farm in Whixall, near Whitchurch, have also been recommended for approval ahead of next week's meeting,

The buildings will be used to facilitate a new calf rearing enterprise.

The applicants intend to rear batches of 120 calves in each shed, rearing on the calves from about two-weeks-old to approximately 12-weeks-old.

The proposal also involves creating temporary agricultural workers accommodation in the form of a static caravan as well as extending an access track to the site.

Whixall Parish Council objected to the plans after claiming the development is "out of keeping" with the area and the proposed business will be sustainable.

Shropshire Council has also received objections from local residents who are concerned about access to the site and that it will make the area an "eyesore".

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.