Plans for 165-home estate

A new housing estate of up to 165 homes could soon be built in Telford, it was revealed today. It comes after the departure of a long-established timber and concrete products firm in St Georges.

Borough planning officers are backing the proposed scheme - as long as developers stump up £277,000 for schools, highways and play facilities.

TAFS (Salop) Ltd is seeking outline planning permission for homes at its base in Gower Street. Once part of the Lilleshall Company works, the site has been used for the manufacture and sale of timber and concrete products for more than 30 years.

A report by officers to Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board says the TAFS site is now largely surrounded by housing.

St Georges Parish Council has raised no objection but 12 residents have sent letters of concern about issues such as highway safety and fears of "rat running" through Walker Crescent.

Planning officers say they have reached a deal with developers for 25 per cent of the homes to be affordable and payments of £65,000 to upgrade primary education locally and £113,000 for improvements to a road junction.

Recommending approval by councillors at Wednesday's plans board meeting, they say the scheme should on balance improve the area.