Council backs plan for 400 town homes
Hundreds of homes will be built in Shifnal after Shropshire Council backed a huge scheme for the town.
The major development of 400 homes will include a medical centre, swimming pool, playground and allotments.
The proposal by Lioncourt Homes also includes 3,000sqm of office space.
The outline plans for land north of Haughton Road were approved yesterday by Shropshire Council's South Planning Committee at a meeting in Westgate, Bridgnorth.
A report to councillors was told that there had been 26 objections to the plans.
They cited extra traffic and pedestrians on roads and pavements not built to deal with them.
There were also fears about possible flooding, but an assessment had shown that this was not an issue, the report said.
Gordon Tonkinson, speaking at the meeting on behalf of Shifnal Town Council, said: "Over two years ago Shifnal Town Council was consulted about plans for 400 dwellings."
He said that during consultation five sites were put forward for development.
"We have given great consideration to this site, particularly with regard to highways and flooding issues in Shifnal.
"The land earmarked for development is also for a medical practice and a swimming pool, which is conditional over so many years."
He said money from the development would also help other areas around the town through the Community Infrastructure Levy scheme.
"We want to see slower speed limits and better signage around the development, which also applies to Haughton Lane.
"The new playground is also vitally important because there is nowhere for youngsters to play in Shifnal at the moment. The plans will also contribute £750,000 towards a new swimming pool."
He added: "There are still a few issues that need to be addressed, which have been raised by members of Shifnal's town plan group, but I would like to recommended we approve this application."
Stuart West, Shropshire Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford, said it was important highways officials also looked at improving roads and access for those who would be travelling from the site into Wolverhampton, as well as towards the M54.
