Telford development gets the go-ahead

Councillors on Telford & Wrekin's planning committee have now approved the development on land between Arleston Lane and Dawley Road in Arleston.

It comes a month after councillors raised a list of concerns over the design of the development, and ruled the plans were not ready.

Plans have now been amended and resubmitted, and were supported by councillors at a meeting on Wednesday.

Some of the amendments have included increasing the number of parking spaces for staff at the extra care facility and reducing the number of homes from 103 to 95.

Speaking at Wednesday's planning meeting, Councillor Chris Turley said: "We asked for amendments and I believe the applicant and officers between them have done their best.

"It has been on the books for some time and a decision has to be made. I can't think of an exceptional circumstance to refuse this application."

But Councillor Nicola Lowery said: "I am encouraged by the amendments but there are still some issues.

"I am disappointed to see the additional number of parking spaces has only increased by six."

Mark Sitch, agent for the applicant, said: "We feel we have responded positively and its an accepted scheme.

"We have sat down with the officers and reviewed the concerns of members and residents.

"We have increased the number of staff parking spaces at the extra care facility and the total number of homes has been reduced."

In April the planning committee voted to defer a decision on the plans to allow officers to work with the applicant to improve the design.

It came despite warnings from officers that they may face action for non-determination.

Plans for the development had already been given outline permission, and members of the committee were set to rule on the layout of the site.

But members at the April meeting said they were concerned that there was not enough parking for staff working at the site number of new facilities, that the design of the extra care facility would struggle to attract potential operators, and that it would dominate the landscape of Arleston.