Shropshire Star

Council 'powerless' to stop demolition of buildings at Shrewsbury's Copthorne Barracks

Councillors are powerless to prevent any demolition of buildings at Copthorne Barracks because of planning rules, it has been revealed.

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Copthorne Barracks

Councillor Mal Price, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for planning, warned that the Ministry of Defence is able to demolish buildings of its choice without the need for approval from the local authority.

He said: "They have got permitted development rights to do the demolition, so all they have done is notify how they going to do the demolition.

"I think it would be a shame if they do intend to demolish some of those buildings.

"I am not sure they do, I just think they are trying to get maximum value for the site."

Earlier this month agents acting on behalf of the Ministry of Defence unveiled plans to build 229 houses and apartments on the site.

The MoD also submitted an application to Shropshire Council, showing proposals to demolish 39 buildings at the site, excluding the Keep, and the outer wall.

It is also looking to sell another site in the county, Tern Hill Barracks at Market Drayton, which could also be potentially used for housing.

However, demolition proposals at Copthorne have met opposition from Shrewsbury Town Council, as well as the town's MP Daniel Kawczynski. They have called for a re-think over the plans.

Councillor Peter Nutting, who represents Copthorne on both Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council, said he accepted that the demolition work could go ahead but hoped the MoD could be persuaded to retain some of the current buildings on the site.

He said: "I accept that they can do what they like but what I want is some common sense for the situation because I believe the development would be better if they retain some of the old buildings and the character of the site."

Earlier this year, Councillor Price had said he wanted a "master plan" developed for the site, which would set out a mixed-use future for the land.

However, he said there had been no discussions from the developers behind the project, JLL, or the Ministry of Defence – something that he said was "disappointing".

He said: "I am disappointed because I think it would be better to look at what would be the best use of the site. Rather than just maximising value for the land it should be what works best for the site and for Shrewsbury."

Councillor Nutting added that he is now waiting for developments following Mr Kawczynski's efforts to secure a site visit to discuss the proposals.

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