Opposition fails to stop proposal for 162 homes in Market Drayton

The proposed development off Rush Lane has been granted approval by Shropshire Council despite objections by residents and a rival developer.

Fears had been raised about access to the site and fire engines struggling to cross a bridleway on the land.

A total of 14 letters of objection and a petition of 31 signatures were received by Shropshire Council.

An outline application was previously given permission for its proposal by the Planning Inspectorate.

An application for reserved matters submitted by David Wilson Homes was approved by members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee yesterday.

Speaking at the meeting, Andrew Price, whose building company has outline planning permission for 250 homes on land to the east of the site, said it had always been the aim that the developments would link and provide easy vehicle, pedestrian and public transport links from the A53 and the town centre.

But he said the David Wilson Homes planning application would do none of those things. "I am a local developer as was my father before me and we are passionate about Market Drayton and sustainable development," he said.

"The highways department does not like this layout, the residents do not like it. With just a few changes it could be so much better."

Alison Jones, speaking on behalf of residents, said: "We question the legality of crossing Rush Lane.

"We feel that our human rights of privacy and light will be severely compromised."

Members of the planning committed voted to allow the planning application subject to a large number of conditions. David Wilson Homes also agreed to look at the siting of one large home, just 13 metres from an existing bungalow.

John Cadwallader, Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton, said: "It would be like having the Queen Mary at the bottom of the garden."

Committee chairman, Councillor Arthur Walpole, added: "I am seriously concerned that that pinch point where the road crosses Rush Lane is just 2.7 metres wide. I understand that is just 10 inches wider than a fire engine."

But councillors agreed that the homes were needed in Market Drayton.