Euro MP wades in on Shropshire beauty spot homes row
It would be "a tragedy" if plans were pushed through to build homes on the slopes of a picturesque Shropshire beauty spot, it was claimed today.
Euro MP Phil Bennion has waded into the row over plans to build on Caer Caradoc, near Church Stretton, as part of Shropshire Council's SAMDev blueprint to meet housing quotas across the county.
He described Church Stretton as a "beautiful town" and said it was vital to preserve the county's unique landscape.
Hundreds of people recently attended a public meeting to object to the plans, which would see a large site developed at New House Farm on the lower slopes of the hill.
Mr Bennion urged residents opposed to the council's proposals to lodge a formal objection.
He said: "As a former member of a county council planning committee, I have experience of the way decisions like this are taken.
"It is vital that objections are made on the basis of visual impact, access and safety and sustainability.
"Nevertheless I have to say that Church Stretton is a beautiful town with great potential as a tourism destination, which is an increasingly important source of employment and income."
He added: "It seems clear to me this proposal would have a significant impact on the amenity value of one of the most important landscapes in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is of more than purely local importance.
"I will be objecting along these lines."
Church Stretton Town Council and Church Stretton Civic Society has also objected to the plans. The deadline for objections to the SAMDev consultation is 5pm on Friday .
To comment on the proposals log on to www.surveymonkey.com/s/churchstrettonSAMDev
