Protests grow over plans for Market Drayton flats

Dozens of people have hit out at controversial plans to build a four-storey apartment block in the centre of Market Drayton.

A 30-name petition and 26 further letters of objection have been received by Shropshire Council against plans to create a block of 32 apartments at land adjoining Towers Lawn in Frogmore Road.

Concerns raised include an increase in noise and disturbance, inadequate parking provision and loss of light. Market Drayton Town Council has also raised an objection at the apartment block being four storeys high. The plans will be considered tomorrow.

Lester Stacey, of caravan and motorhome dealership Lazy Days, is seeking outline planning permission for the scheme which involves bulldozing his existing site.

A report to Shropshire Council's north planning committee states the applicant has submitted proposals to redevelop the site for residential use because the market for the sale of caravans has fallen by 25 per cent since the recession started to be felt in 2008.

The plans, which have been recommended for approval, will be discussed tomorrow by committee members in the council chamber in Castle View, Oswestry, from 2pm.

Under the scheme, the business and the four employees in Market Drayton would be relocated to the company's other site on the A41 near Hinstock which would remain in operation. Plans also include creating affordable homes, car and cycle parking and an amenity area.

In the report a spokesman for the applicant said: "The business has suffered considerably in the recession and it is proposed to re-develop the site with a residential apartment black, rising up to four storeys in height.

"A residential block would do much to lift the appearance of this corner of the town centre on a very sustainable site."

Richard Denison, case officer for Shropshire Council, said: "The principle for a residential development is acceptable.

"The proposed scale would not raise any concerns from causing an overbearing impact or loss of light and could be positioned sufficient distance away from neighbouring properties to prevent any detrimental overlooking and loss of privacy.

"The proposed use of the existing car park entrance onto Frogmore Road would provide adequate visibility and would not result in any detrimental highway safety issues."