Market Drayton Muller bridge bid likely to get go-ahead
Controversial plans by Muller to create a bridge across a busy road linking its existing factory with a proposed new plant look set to get the go-ahead, despite residents' concerns.
Planning officers at Shropshire Council have claimed the 440 metre (1,443ft) conveyor bridge over the A53 would not be "substantially harmful" to the landscape on the outskirts of Market Drayton. They have recommended the plans for approval ahead of a meeting of the authority's north planning committee on Tuesday.
It comes despite people claiming the bridge will have a negative effect on one of the main gateways to the town. Some opponents have claimed the dairy giant should look to link its two sites underground instead of overground – something Muller says is not viable.
The firm wants the bridge linking its factory off Shrewsbury Road with a new manufacturing, storage and distribution facility in a nearby field.
The German firm – one of Europe's biggest dairy producers – already has planning permission to create the new facility on the 8.5-hectare site.
The bridge will be more than four metres high, seven metres wide and six metres above the A53.
Market Drayton Town Council has supported the application, but Moreton Say Parish Council has objected.
Tuesday's meeting will be held at Shirehall in Shrewsbury and will start at 2pm.
