Newport homes plan gets go-ahead despite protests
Controversial plans to build a housing estate of almost 300 homes in Newport have been given the go-ahead.
Controversial plans to build a housing estate of almost 300 homes in Newport have been given the go-ahead.
About 75 residents turned out last night to protest against the scheme at Wellington Road on the outskirts of the town. But despite their objections, Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board granted planning permission for the scheme.
Developers HDD Newport Ltd will now go ahead with its plan to build 285 homes – 35 per cent of which will be affordable housing – on the site.
Ward councillor Andrew Eade said he believed allowing the development was the wrong decision and he would consider taking the decision to Secretary of State Eric Pickles to consider.
“This is a greenfield site. Once we build on that land it’s gone forever. I wonder what Eric Pickles would make of that decision,” he said.
“This site provides community boundaries and identity – let’s have the guts and common sense to develop the brownfield land first before we turn greenfield land over to the vultures who are circling Newport at the moment.”
But Councillor Gilly Reynolds, who is a former pupil of Adams Grammar School in Newport, said she knew of former classmates who would have liked to have lived in the town but were unable to find a home.
“I think a lot of people may have left Newport because there isn’t any renting accommodation and a shortfall in affordable housing,” she said.
“We’ve heard a lot about the High Street being in difficulties as well, but this will save the High Street because it will bring more people into the area.”
Today Helen Johnson, 46, who lives in Wellington Road, said: “I’ve got children in their 20s so they will have to live somewhere, but I don’t want the spirit of Newport destroyed. I don’t want it to become Telford.”
Edwin Wilson, 67, also of Wellington Road, added: “It’s the only place around where cuckoos have been regularly seen. It’s a nice nature area which will be lost.”
Dave Gittus, also of Wellington Road, said: “This is just too big.”
Comments for: "Newport homes plan gets go-ahead despite protests"
Andrew finch
I would imagine Mr pickles will say build away.
Sammy
It probably is the wrong decision but the council only see it as meeting targets. The residents objections were probably not even considered. You wouldn't believe that councils act on our behalf would you?
Big D
The following was stated in the latest edition of " Your Voice", We as a co-operative council will continue to work & LISTEN to our communities & act with INTEGRITY,OPENNESS,HONESTY,FAIRNESS & RESPECT at all times. This was not adhered to at last evenings plans meeting.
The concerns of over 800 Newport residents were overruled on political & monetary ground by the predominately labour councilors ( non of whom live in Newport)
jeff
How many people live in Newport?
what percentage is 800 of Newport's population?
So more people didn't object or couldn't be bothered about the new housing, we all need to live somewhere how many of the objectors live in houses less than 30 years old, that was once nice green fields?
I live in Newport, have all my life over 50 years the town has grown
Grumpy Graham
2 of the PB members certainly did not show any RESPECT or interest last night to many of the impressive and valid representations made. Chatting between themselves and passing a peice of paper, to and fro, gave the impression that they were playing Noughts and Crosses.
bridgnorthpat
If you think that's bad have a look at the plans for Tasley (Bridnorth) : Loads of green space is going to disappear under a massive housing development that will completely destroy the area.
Developers only care about making profits, and don't expect the council to defend your interests - torganise and protest.
lost in telford
Big D - we've seen exactly the same sort of attitude on the schools re-organisation project. The co-operative council label only fits when it suits T&W Council.
If the public aren't saying what they don't want to hear then the co-operative aspirations go straight out of the window.
... and this cascades from the top of the council downwards - some of the key offenders are the Council Leader, the Deputy Leader, Cabinet members and the Chief Exec.
lorraine
I have grown up in Newport and All of this is going to be built outside of my window and im utterly disgusted! Newport can not cope with yet anorther 300 homes the only two doctors surgerys stuggle now you cant get a appointment for a fortnight at a time! Also the amount of traffic in Newport is a Joke and do the people get so much of a say NO!! This Building on eveything green is killing newport and before long we will be like Telford! (if not joined by then) TWC SHOULD LEAVE NEWPORT ALONE!
Mr Sheen
Outside your window? So your house was built between 1986-89 on farmland that I played on as a kid. I phone at 8.30am and get an appointment with a doctor the same day in Newport. Stop talking nonsense. NIMBYism is a terrible thing.
Greg Toland
On the subject of lies, damed lies and Telford & Wrekin statistics it is claimed that over the last 5 years 86.40% of new homes have been built in Telford compared to the 6.30% in Newport.
However it is interesting to note that if you compare relative populations Newport has had 1.31% new homes per person compared to Telford’s 1.21%
Newport has PROPORTIONATELY contributed to the housing requirement of the borough over the years – do not let T&W try and convince you otherwise!
Telford Tel
I was at the meeting, what a farce. Politics at its worst. The majority of the committee did not even listen to the reasons to decline, they were only interested in how much money for the council and how many affordable houses Newport needed for the next five years. All 3 labour councillors voted against, all five Labour voted for it.Party politis at its worst. As far as The other Newport development went, one labour councilor, Mr TURRLEY (Labour) stated he had seen what a great wildlife site it was near the canal, SSSI, marsh and peat land etc. He said that due to that and his eologial belief and the fact he was a 'Friend of Telford Town Park etc, he could not vote for it. So you would think he must have voted against it, but no, he just abstained. Result, 3 Conservatives against, 4 Labour for, 1 labour abstain. Pathetic Mr TURRLEY, Pathetic.
Knock Knock
Oh, Newport! Get over yourself.
Greg Toland
Dear Knock Knock,
If Telford were to have a proportional increase in population to that being proposed for Newport it would be equivalent to adding another town the size of Newport.
Surely you can see the significance and the impact of this!
davey non nimby
Newport is always bleating on about being special and not turning into Telford.
Get over yourselves. This land sits there hardly used and will bring affordable housing to an expensive area to live. Roll on Sainsbury's while we are at it so we can have a decent shop. !