Housing scheme in village near Shrewsbury thrown out
Controversial plans to create up to 20 homes and improve sports facilities in a village have been thrown out.
The outline scheme, which was put forward by WLR Gwilt, featured new homes, including affordable bungalows, as well as land for tennis courts and a pedestrian crossing on the B4397 in Baschurch.
Shropshire Council has used delegated powers to turn down the application after saying it was unsustainable and was outside the development boundary.
The proposed site is located at the northern end of Baschurch directly to the north of the B4397 and to the west of the road which runs to Weston Lullingfields.
Baschurch Tennis Club has about 150 members and already has two floodlit hard-surfaced courts and a clubhouse, but says it needs to expand. he plans included the dedication of land for two tennis courts and a car park for the use of the tennis club.
Baschurch Parish Council objected to the development after describing it as inappropriate in size and scale.
Shropshire Council received six letters of objection which said there is already sufficient housing in the village.
One letter of support was received from Baschurch Tennis Club which said it would enable it to grow.
A report by Shropshire Council said: "The proposed site is situated in countryside outside the development boundary for the village of Baschurch.
"The proposed development for housing does not meet an identified local need. It is not considered to be sustainable.
"Although the proposal may provide some economic benefits these would be limited and would not be specific to developing this particular site.
"It is therefore considered that the harm arising from extending the built development into the countryside on the edge of the village, in a form that would not contribute to, protect or enhance the environment would significantly outweigh any limited potential economic or social benefits."
The proposed site wraps around a rectangular area of land which has been granted planning permission for 20 affordable homes. In September the green light was also given at a Shropshire Council meeting for the outline plans for 30 homes and a medical centre off Milford Road.
