Luxury home plan for Foster mansion

A planning application has been lodged to demolish the burned-out remains of Shropshire's Osbaston House – the scene of two horrific murders – to make way for a luxury home.

Failed businessman Chris Foster murdered his 15-year-old daughter Kirstie and his wife Jill at the house at Maesbrook, near Oswestry, in August last year.

Foster, 50, who faced huge debts, then set fire to Osbaston House before killing the family's horses and dogs and then himself.

Since the murder spree, the burned-out house, which had been worth more than £1.2 million, has been sealed off for safety reasons.

But an application has now been lodged with Shropshire Council planning chiefs to demolish what remains of the house and its outbuildings and build a three-storey, six-bedroom home.

The application has been made by receivers appointed by the bank which owns the premises. Foster's brother Andrew Foster today said he was aware of the planning application but had no further comment to make.

Birmingham property consultants GVA Grimley Ltd are acting as agents for the proposal.

Paula Mitchell, spokeswoman for the firm, said: "No development is proposed on the site of the existing dwelling. We anticipate that in due course the site will sold with the benefit of planning permission."

Shropshire Council planning chiefs hope to have the application determined by September 21.

Foster's killing spree shocked the nation. An inquest showed CCTV images of him walking around the property armed with a rifle and setting fire to the buildings.