Shropshire Star

Land saved from mammoth factory plans in Telford should be protected – MP

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard is calling for a site in Telford that was recently saved from controversial plans for an industrial park to be protected.

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Residents put up banners opposing the plans

Mr Pritchard said plans for land north and east of the Shawbirch roundabout were completely inappropriate.

His is the latest voice against the outline application, which had more than 1,000 objections before it was withdrawn by joint applicants Telford & Wrekin Council and Homes England.

The plans would have covered 80,000 square metres, and would have involved the construction of a 40 metre high building matching Manor Heights in Hadley or Telford Plaza in scale.

But thanks to efforts from residents and councillors, the plans were pulled.

Telford & Wrekin leader Councillor Shaun Davies said it had been recognised that the plans had caused “considerable concern” among residents, but that the land is designated for employment use.

Vigilant

Now Mr Pritchard is calling for the designation to be changed so that no industrial facility is ever built on the land.

“I welcome this eleventh hour decision by the council to withdraw this completely inappropriate application for the site,” he said.

“But I am still concerned by the council leader’s statement that the site is still designated for ‘employment’ use.

“My constituents do not want any kind of industrial facility built at that site. The council needs to listen to the concerns of local residents.

“I have therefore written again to the council’s leadership asking them to consider changing the land use designation of the site.

“This would safeguard residents against future inappropriate developments on the basis of use, although of course we will have to remain vigilant against size, density and suitability to the surroundings for any other type of application that may be submitted.”

Russell Griffin, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The land is owned by the Government and has been zoned for development since the 1970s.

“The site is also allocated in the Local Plan, which was the subject of public consultation and an independent planning inquiry run by a government planning inspector.

“We have not received a letter from Mr Pritchard as yet but will consider his representations when we do.”