Developer hopes to win Shifnal homes support

A developer is to hold a public meeting in Shifnal next month in a bid to sway opinion over plans to build 400 homes in the town.

Andy Faizey, from Lioncourt Homes, wants to build the homes off Haughton Road, but Shropshire Council is leaning towards supporting a rival scheme at a different location.

The local authority has said that 400 homes need to be built in Shifnal as part of its draft SAMdev – a planning blueprint for the next 15 years.

Three sites were identified but the council said its preferred option is land off Aston Road and not a scheme by Lioncourt Homes at Haughton Road.

However, Droitwich-based Lioncourt Homes has not given up the fight and now hopes to get public opinion on its side.

The company is holding a public exhibition on May 1 from 4pm at Shifnal Village Hall. Public consultation on the SAMdev plans will continue until June 8.

Mr Faizey said: "What we are looking to do is make sure the town council and public have the opportunity to see all three schemes rather than just the two. We want to show that there is an alternative."

Helen Howie, the council's principal policy officer, said the talks were in their 'early days'. She said the council was reviewing the current Bridgnorth Local Plan, adding that the Aston Road site was the preferred option, along with the Taylor Wimpey scheme, which is currently building at Thomas Beddoes Court.

She added: "Lioncourt wants us to change our minds and are no doubt hoping that the community will swing it for them as it is out to public consultation.

"We will also hold our own meeting to inform the public of the process and to explain why we have chosen Aston Road."

A developer for the Aston Road scheme has not yet been decided, with negotiations under way with builders.

Mrs Howie said: "A number of developers are interested in that scheme and the trustees have that land on the market."