Plans to double size of Shropshire village are thrown out
Plans to more than double the size of a Shropshire village have been rejected by councillors – who described the proposal as "an abomination".
An application which would have seen 130 homes built on green fields agricultural land east of Waters Upton – which currently has just 93 homes – was unanimously rejected by members of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee at a meeting last night.
Residents and parish councillors cheered as the result of the vote became clear.
Objectors however were dismayed the refusal was on the grounds of the ecological impact the development could have had on great crested newts, saying there were "many other reasons to object", such as impact on traffic, local services and over-development of the village.
Carl Huntley, managing director of applicants Base Architects, did not want to comment following the meeting and it is not yet known if the developers will appeal the committee's decision.
He had previously denied the village would double in size overnight, saying the homes would have been built in three separate phases over the next 10 years.
After the meeting, Waters Upton Parish Council chairman Councillor Lynda Baker-Oliver said: "I am very happy that they have refused it we are delighted with that.
"We are unhappy however that they could not add further conditions to that because we feel it is clear there are other major objections that could have been included but we thank them for their understanding and listening to us."
Villagers are, however, concerned the applicants could appeal the refusal.
"We will stay strong and fight any appeal to the application," added Councillor Baker-Oliver.
During the meeting, she told committee members: "This application is life-changing for the community and not in a positive way. It would not enhance or complement the village, it would swamp it. There is no community gain whatsoever."
Councillors on the committee also reacted with anger at the application.
Councillor Ian Fletcher, who represents Priorslee, said: "This is an abomination of a development. This will swamp and destroy the village. It is not sustainable it is totally inappropriate."
Councillor Nigel Dugmore, member for Muxton, said: "This is incredible. It is increasing the size of the village by 140 per cent. Villages should evolve not just suddenly double in size overnight."
The plans, for land between Catsbritch Lane and the A442, were submitted to the council at the end of August, sparking fury from residents who have campaigned against the application.
Resident Emma Thomas said of the planning officer's recommendation to refuse the application: "It shows that local action really does make a difference."
