More taxis allowed to operate in Shifnal

The base will operate above the fish and chip shop in Cheapside, but cars will not be allowed to park in bays designated for shoppers. Two taxi drivers will be employed to use their own vehicles, parking them at their homes or using a free car park at the back of the Co-op.

The company behind the plans has not yet been revealed.

Case officer Lisa Harris said: "The applicant has secured the use of two parking spaces adjacent to the site, which are for the benefit of the occupants of both the ground and first floor.

"The proprietor of the chip shop only requires one space for use when deliveries are made once a fortnight. It is considered the proposed use as a private hire operator's base is an appropriate use in this location and is unlikely to cause nuisance or disturbance to residents and business oper- ators within the area."

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of Shropshire Council's south planning committee in Bridgnorth, Councillor Stuart West said it was vital the spaces used by shoppers remained free.

He said: "The office being used above the chip shop was their accommodation.

"The spaces nearby are used for shoppers but sometimes taxis use spaces in Bradford Street as a taxi rank.

"The town council was concerned that once the accommodation was turned into an office they would start parking their vehicles in the parking bays provided for shoppers but there are spaces to the rear of the shops which can be used.

Councillor Rosanna Taylor-Smith said: "As a licensing officer for Shropshire Council I feel that if the plans are granted it should be made clear in the instructions that if they have two cars they are not allowed to park in the shopping bays. Private hire taxis can also not be hailed."

By James Fisher