Developers push for new traffic island in north Shropshire

The idea has been put forward by officials at Gladman Developments, who want to build 162 homes either side of Rush Lane in Market Drayton. The roundabout would also serve a neighbouring 250-home development planned by Danbank developments.

Fresh plans for Rush Lane have been submitted to Shropshire Council by Gladman after the two firms had initially clashed over how the new homes would be reached from the A53.

Planning chiefs at Shirehall had previously told the companies they would have to consider the wider context of development across the town rather than just focus on their own sites.

Proposal

The homes had been earmarked as part of Shropshire Council's Site Allocations and Management of Development (SAMDev) plan.

Gladman said its proposal would "provide the primary site access point for the wider housing site identified in the SAMDev allocation".

Mark Wooton, area manager for north Shropshire,

said a roundabout was a "satisfactory access solution" as long as all necessary requirements are met.

But Danbank's application for a controlled junction is still up for consideration by the council, which it says could provide better access to the sites.

Meanwhile, Gladman has also put forward plans to stop Rush Lane, a narrow road which would sit in the middle of the proposed houses, becoming a "rat run". After public consultation, Gladman said the preferred method would be to slow cars down.

Despite new traffic and access plans residents are continuing to petition against the development which has been branded "a war on the countryside".

Action group Friends of Rush Lane has set up petitions against the plans and supporting members have displayed banners in objection. Both proposals are still to be discussed by Shropshire Council and comments can be seen on its planning website.