100-homes plan for Shifnal approved
Plans for 100 houses and a care home in Shifnal have been unanimously approved – despite concerns by its local councillor about the lack of employment opportunities for residents.
The site between Lawton Road and Stanton Road had been earmarked for mixed use employment and residential use in the town's SamDev blueprint, and there were hopes it could supply units for small start-ups.
However, the plans put forward only provided employment opportunities in the form of a 60-bed care home.
Shinfal is due to take on 1,600 new homes after being bombarded with planning applications over the past few years, and yesterday's meeting of Shropshire Council's south planning committee was looking at the last development site put forward.
Residents have previously raised concerns that the amount of development in Shifnal will change the character of the town, as well as exacerbate traffic problems.
Members of Shifnal Town Council have also previously stressed the need for more employment opportunities in the town.
Councillor Stuart West, committee chairman and ward member for Shifnal South and Cosford, told councillors at Shirehall: "I really am a little disappointed we've lost what we did really need in Shifnal, which was the small business starter units."
Councillor Nigel Hartin added: "I am also a little disappointed the employment land isn't coming forward. But, given the circumstances, and with the care home, I would be minded to approve this."
The plans also feature a new public open space, car parking and a new roundabout to improve access to the site.
