MP Mark Pritchard criticises Newport development plans

Newport's MP today waded into the row over plans for a massive new development in the town and claimed: "They smack of being rushed."

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard held a private meeting this morning with bosses at Telford & Wrekin Council over the proposals.

Plans have been submitted, in two different applications, for more than 600 homes in the town, a 50,000sq ft supermarket, petrol station and business park.

The supermarket, together with the petrol station, would be built off Station Road, while the proposed business park site is off the A518.

Both the town's regeneration partnership and chamber of commerce have said the plans would substantially change the character of the town and affect the High Street.

Mr Pritchard said: "In my view, the plans are disproportionate, unsustainable, and smack of being rushed. Newport is a unique market town, not a suburb of Telford's growing urban area. The new leadership of the council need to understand this."

Residents have already begun sending their letters of objection to planners at Telford & Wrekin Council, while others have shown their support for a Facebook campaign calling for Newport to be saved.

Mr Pritchard added: "There also needs to be sensitivity to the viability and vitality of Newport traders and shops."