Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Copthorne Barracks: MP Daniel Kawczynski backs plans to save buildings

Shrewsbury's MP has thrown his backing behind a bid to save buildings on the town's former Army base after demolition plans came under fire.

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Copthorne Barracks

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham wrote to Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon about the town's Copthorne Barracks, which are set to be sold in Ministry of Defence plans.

Proposals to demolish some buildings on site have been objected to by Shrewsbury Town Council, which wants to keep strong links to its role in the armed forces.

In his letter, Mr Kawczynski called for a meeting with a representative from the MoD to show which areas should be protected from development.

Daniel Kawczynski

He said: "Following the closure of Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury wishes to maintain our strong historical bond with the various regiments who were based there during the last 130 years and who return to Shrewsbury for reunions.

"We are also keen for some buildings and the character of the site to be protected and retained for the use of these veterans and to maintain the history of our town for future generations.

"The parts of the barracks I would like to see retained and not demolished or built upon include the officers mess building, the two accommodation blocks as you enter the site (one on each side) and the sports pitches which have been used for both football and cricket.

"I would be grateful for a meeting with the relevant member of your department, preferably in Shrewsbury, so we can walk around the site with the local councillor Peter Nutting.

"The ministry could then see first-hand the areas my constituents would like to retain.

"Timings are now very tight and hopefully our meeting can be arranged before the end of recess. I look forward to hearing from you."

The barracks, which were built between 1877 and 1881, are now mostly derelict and the site was put up for sale by 2014 after the MoD declared it redundant.

Earlier this month, Shrewsbury Town Council members voted unanimously to object to demolishing up to 40 buildings there and called for the grounds to be listed and protected from future development.

They agreed to ask the MP, along with Shropshire Council, for help in addressing their concerns.

But last week plans were unveiled showing plans to turn the site into space for 229 homes and apartments.

Mr Kawczynski previously said he supported the sale of the site, hoping that cash generated from the sale could be used to help the town's university.

But he said it was important for the town council and MoD to be on the same page.

He said: "It is very important to engage with the town council and to work with them on developing the best possible outcome for the site.

"They have a duty of responsibility to work with the local authority to make sure that a suitable outcome arises.

"I am looking for a close working relationship between the MoD and the town council."

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