Minister urged to halt Newport homes plans

The former leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has called on the Government to intervene and halt plans for nearly 900 homes in Newport.

Plans for 285 homes in Wellington Road were given the go-ahead by the council on Wednesday and permission was also granted for 34 new homes in Maynards Croft. There are also separate plans yet to be decided for 350 houses in Station Road and 215 in Audley Avenue.

Today Tory councillor Andrew Eade said Secretary of State Eric Pickles should look at all four applications together rather than let Telford & Wrekin approve them individually.

He said: "The cumulative effect of all these houses has to be considered as a whole. You cannot look at the plans in isolation.

"Newport is going to find it very difficult to absorb all these new homes. They will have a huge impact on the town's schools, roads, drainage system and the general infrastructure.

"I don't think any of these concerns have been adequately addressed."

Councillor Eade said he felt Telford & Wrekin's planners should have refused permission for the Wellington Road site.

He said: "I find it very bizarre the way the council is targeting Newport for new homes. I think Wednesday's vote was politically split and that doesn't help anybody."

A council spokesman said all applications were decided on merit and based upon central government planning laws.

He said: "Plans board is a non-political body that makes its decisions based on the advice of planning officers to ensure the council complies with planning policies and law.

"If anyone feels that decisions have been taken that do not follow these principles, they can send details of their concern to the council and seek their own legal advice."