Shrewsbury's Dana Prison redevelopment moves a step closer

Concerns had been raised over access and parking at the site of the former prison and a decision was deferred by Shropshire Council's planning committee in October.

Extra parking spaces have since been included in the plans and a report from Mouchel on behalf of the local highway authority said this and the removal of double yellow lines around the former jail were welcome developments.

It was also said that issues with parking for residents living nearby should not determine the application as the problems were present when the site was a working prison and there was now no reason to reject the proposals from a highways perspective.

The plans would see the prison transformed into a mixed use development including student accommodation, residential homes, retail units, restaurants and a gym and other uses.

The report says that because of the site's location close to the town centre and public transport nearby meaning sustainable travel is more likely, reduced parking provision should be considered favourably.

It says given the sustainable location, the level of car parking included is similar to other important conservation redevelopment sites nearby such as the Flaxmill.

The report says: "Currently, the site is almost entirely surrounded by waiting restrictions (double yellow lines) which were predominantly required for security reasons.

"As these restrictions may no longer be appropriate for the new usage of the site, the applicant's proposal to undertake the removal of some stretches of double yellow line and replacing them with on-street parking facilities is welcomed.

"This proposed increase in limited waiting will offer a greater turnover of vehicles and spaces available during the daytime, benefitting not only some of the development uses proposed but also wider local needs.

"In addition, these facilities will be available in the evening for overnight parking for local residents on a first come first served basis.

"It should be noted that the actual number of spaces hasn't been confirmed yet and will likely reduce slightly in order to ensure appropriate two way vehicle movements along the Dana."

The report goes on to say an impression of permanently congested streets can be painted by the fact during the day cars are left by non-residents and are replaced by residents' cars later on.

"It is acknowledged this is very frustrating for residents, due to the fact when they return home there might not be sufficient space available in a convenient location to their property or even at all locally," the report said.

"However, it should be remembered that the vast majority of parked vehicles will be their own neighbours and visitors.

"As typically in such areas resident car ownership greatly exceeds the space available, it is normal for the lack of available parking spaces to be blamed on the few non-residents parking in the local streets.

"This situation existed when the prison was active and will not change when the site comes into alternative usage.

"For a short period of time, during the site's redevelopment, additional congestion and circulating vehicles looking for spaces might be experienced. However, this will soon settle down normal levels as people will

displace to other parking facilities locally.

"In conclusion, as there is a national presumption in favour of securing development, especially where historic buildings can be appropriately reused and retained, it is considered that on balance, the previous recommendation for refusal on highway and transport grounds is no longer sufficiently robust."

The Shrewsbury Civic Society has also emphasised its supported the development, saying the site deserves an economic future and that the plans are realistic and will help regenerate the area.