Time running out for Shrewsbury Dana Prison appeal

Trevor Osborne, one of the owners of the historic prison, said he will discuss the plans with Shropshire Council officials in coming weeks.

Any decision on whether to appeal against the decision by Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee would have to be taken imminently, as appeals have to be lodged within six months of the decision.

The committee rejected the application on December 22 last year.

The property developer has also revealed that the proposal for the site may have to change to get planning permission.

Mr Osborne said he remains frustrated at the decision to reject the plans, which came against a recommendation from Shropshire Council's own planning officers, but was welcomed by a large number of local residents.

He said: "I was very concerned to make a mixed use project that would make a place, a really different place, still respecting the architecture but I am afraid those opposed to it did not see it that way.

"There was no debate about the benefits of creating the walled garden of Shrewsbury, it was not even mentioned once during the planning debate.

"It would have brought huge investment which would have brought grants from national bodies. It would be a huge thing for Shrewsbury."

Mr Osborne said it will be difficult to come up with a proposal for the site that does not attract people.

He said: "I am just shocked that such a scheme should have been refused.

"Anything that draws people to the place the public feel that will be bringing traffic.

"They already have congested streets and the council has done nothing to deal with parking problems and because nothing has been done those residents fear anything we do with the prison will increase parking problems."

The prison has been successfully operated as a tourist attraction by Immersive Events since 2015.

Earlier this year the company confirmed it would be continuing to run events for the rest of the year.

Before closing in 2013 The Dana was a category B/C men's prison.