Home plans decision day

Plans to build more than 200 new homes in towns across north Shropshire could win the go-ahead today.

District councillors are set to consider applications for a host of new housing developments in Ellesmere, Wem and Whitchurch.

Planning officers are today urging councillors to support a proposal to build 84 new homes on the site of a derelict timber yard in Wem.

The former Isherwoods site in Aston Street has been branded an eyesore after falling into disrepair.

The site was bought by Advantage West Midlands for £2.2 million in 2002, and has been derelict since Isherwoods closed 10 years ago.

If the scheme wins approval, developer Morris Homes will build 84 two to five-bedroom properties and also create two squares.

Members of the committee are also being urged to back an outline application to build about 50 new homes near Windmill Meadow in Wem, as well as plans to create 39 new houses and apartments on land off Brownlow Street in Ellesmere.

North Shropshire Council spokeswoman Rian Bentley said today: "There has been quite an increase in the number of applications that have gone through the system. All applications have to comply with the adopted Local Plan."

The council's development control committee will also look at controversial proposals for a new housing estate in Wem today, which have been hauled back before them for a second time due to a council blunder.

The plans to build up to 30 homes on greenfield land off Harris Croft were approved by the committee in August despite pleas of opposition from councillors and residents.

Objectors fear the application will hamper plans to register the land off Harris Croft as a village green.

Others are objecting to the scheme, submitted by George Wimpey North Midlands Ltd, amid concerns about congestion, noise and safety. The application, however, has been recalled after a "procedural error" sparked off judicial review proceedings.

Members of the committee will make their decisions on the housing developments at a meeting at Edinburgh House in Wem today.

The meeting was due to start at 2pm.

By Andrew Rogers