Market Drayton ring road scheme is put on hold

A decision on major plans to create a £2.5 million town centre ring road and build almost 50 homes in Market Drayton has been delayed by councillors after about 30 years of talks.

Shropshire Council has applied for outline planning permission to create a new road on the outskirts of the town to cope with the amount of traffic and build 47 houses in a bid to breathe new life into the town.

Plans, which have been recommended for approval by planning officers, were due to be discussed by the unitary council's north planning committee in Wem yesterday. But members agreed to defer the decision at the request of the council until more detail was provided.

Plans have divided public opinion – with some claiming it is a waste of money and others saying it will help regenerate the town.

The council says it will work with social landlords to deliver the homes – half of which will be affordable.

The road would be between Stafford Street and Phoenix Bank to form a new junction with High Street and Great Hales Street.