Fight development plans, Newport Town Council urged

People in Newport have pleaded with their town council to oppose plans for a massive development of homes and a supermarket on their doorstep.

Locals were given the chance to address councillors at a meeting of Newport Town Council last night in response to the development plans which were unveiled at Burton Borough School last week.

Proposals put forward by Telford & Wrekin Council, Davidsons Developments and St Modwen would see 400 new homes, a supermarket and petrol station built in the town, as well as a business park constructed on green land off the A518 bypass.

Concerned residents have set up a Facebook campaign page against the plans,criticising developers and demanding the proposal be dropped. It has already attracted almost 400 people.

And they are also encouraging locals to attend a meeting at Church Aston Church Hall on Tuesday at 7pm, where residents will be able to question Telford & Wrekin Council representatives .

At last night's meeting, Stafford Road resident Geoffrey Tate said: "You can't expand the body while you still have big holes in your heart. We need to fix the problems in the town centre first.

"Newport has been, possibly still is and can be a wonderful market town. But we have developers trying to impose developments that we don't need."

Gary Wade, of Station Road, said: "Telford & Wrekin opposed one supermarket because it would affect others in the town – then in the next breath they say they want to put one here. That takes hypocrisy to the next level."

And Brian Dredge added: "I want Newport to stay a wonderful town. It won't do if Telfordisation of Newport happens."

Last night town councillors agreed to form a working group to consider Newport's future.

Councillor Tim Nelson said: "We need to get our ducks in a row very fast.

"Which ones are we out with petrol bombs and placards about, and which ones can we live with?"

The working group will meet in the next three weeks to discuss ideas.

Councillor Fiona Robinson said: "We desperately need to do this now – and the community must be a part of it."

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "Three hundred and ninety-six residents attended the event which was held at Burton Borough School.

"A total of 200 questionnaires were completed, 145 for the Station Road scheme and 55 for the Audley Avenue scheme.

"A number of key themes have been raised and we are reviewing these to see if and how these could be taken account of in the proposals.

"We will take account of all the public's views as we go forward and will be holding another consultation later this summer."

• To see the proposals click here