Hospital land homes plan gets go-ahead
Controversial plans to build more than 100 homes on eight acres of redundant hospital land in Shrewsbury have been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.Controversial plans to build more than 100 homes on eight acres of redundant hospital land in Shrewsbury have been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs. A £21 million deal to build 112 dwellings, including 39 affordable dwellings, vehicular and pedestrian access at the former Royal Shrewsbury Hospital South site in Mytton Oak Road was struck in September. Now the plans have been given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee. The committee gave the plans permission yesterday on the grounds that the emergency services and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital were contacted for their thoughts. But campaigners warned the decision could lead to a loss of lives with the road already congested and holding up ambulances going to the RSH and fire engines struggling to pass. Read more in the Shropshire Star
Controversial plans to build more than 100 homes on eight acres of redundant hospital land in Shrewsbury have been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.
A £21 million deal to build 112 dwellings, including 39 affordable dwellings, vehicular and pedestrian access at the former Royal Shrewsbury Hospital South site in Mytton Oak Road was struck in September.
Now the plans have been given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee.
The committee gave the plans permission yesterday on the grounds that the emergency services and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital were contacted for their thoughts.
But campaigners warned the decision could lead to a loss of lives with the road already congested and holding up ambulances going to the RSH and fire engines struggling to pass.
John Bunker, who lives nearby, said he feared for the worst following the decision.
He said: "I hope people remember the names of the councillors who gave this the green light because when someone dies because of the traffic problems it will be on their hands.
"I look out every morning and there are ambulances and people struggling to pass on the road because it is so congested. This development will bring a minimum of 100 extra cars leaving at that time."
Councillor Liz Parsons added: "I would like to see if when the development is being built something can be done to widen the road.
"If we had a separate lane for emergency vehicles I think it would solve it."
The Homes and Communities Agency and CALA Homes (Midlands) exchanged contracts for the development in September. The deal, which is subject to planning approval today, will see the national housing and regeneration agency and the housebuilder working together on the 7.89 acre brownfield site.
Wrekin Housing Trust will also be involved with the project which will feature 32 affordable homes as well as public open space and a children's play area.
CALA Homes plans to start building on site in the middle of next year, with the first new homes ready in early 2011.
By Andrew Morris
