Plans for 75 homes in Shrewsbury are backed

Developer Crest Nicholson South West has applied to build the properties on green land off Ellesmere Road. The development will include two, three, four and five-bedroomed homes.

If it is granted approval, Crest Nicholson has agreed to invest more than £500,000 in the area around the development through a section 106 agreement. The cash would be spent on transport infrastructure and road networks, education and play facilities.

But the council has received 24 letters of objection including one from local ward councillor Dean Carroll, who said the area was already at "full capacity".

He said: "Ellesmere Road and the junctions at Coton Hill and Chester Street are already at or beyond full capacity, it is not therefore sensible to make an acknowledged issue worse again by increasing vehicular movements.

"The land is recognised to be of a more rural character, and this development would be out of character with this pattern.

"Ellesmere Road is an important point of entry to Shrewsbury from the north, as is evidenced by the high volume of vehicular movements.

"The green spaces to the west of Ellesmere Road form important public amenity views of the open countryside beyond."

Concerns from objectors also included extra pressure on schools in the area and increased traffic.

But despite the concerns, planning officers at Shropshire Council are recommending approval ahead of a meeting of the authority's central planning committee on Thursday.

A report submitted by officers recommending says: "It is considered that the proposal represents sustainable development due to its proximity to Shrewsbury and excellent public transport links and opportunity for cycling and walking.

"The development will therefore not result in over reliance on the private motor car and it would help significantly in boosting the housing supply for Shrewsbury.

"It is acknowledged that this proposal will result in some additional traffic and congestion but it is considered that this will not be severe and is not a justifiable reason to refuse this application.

"The proposal will result in the loss of a green field but this is not protected and the proposal will provide a significant amount of managed landscaped open space and additional tree planting which will be available to the public to access and enjoy.

"The proposal also includes eight affordable houses on site and will also provide a significant financial contribution - over £500,000 - towards infrastructure provision."

A final decision will be made at Thursday's meeting, which will be held from 2pm in the Shrewsbury Room at Shirehall in Shrewsbury. Members of the public are welcome to attend.