Go-ahead for 150 homes scheme in Shrewsbury
Nearly 150 homes, including 69 "extra care" properties, will be built in Shrewsbury, it has been confirmed.
The homes will be built close to the Shrewsbury to Chester railway line off Ellesmere Road in Greenfields after Shropshire Council granted full planning permission – despite concerns being raised about traffic and the pressure it will put on local services such as schools.
The application, submitted by Lovell, involves creating 69 one and two-bedroom affordable apartments, and 78 two and three-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached two-storey houses.
Shropshire Council approved the plans using delegated powers.
It had received about 10 objections for the scheme, including from Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury Civic Society.
Helen Ball, clerk of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "While members recognise this as a site for development, they have several issues with the proposed plans.
"Members are aware of several other applications for large developments along Ellesmere Road and feel the cumulative effect on the traffic is going to be significant.
"They feel this development will only exacerbate the problem and as a result feels the density of the development needs reducing.
"Members would like to see a second entrance/exit be considered.
"The local school is full to capacity so children from this development would be a priority to attend Greenfields School.
"The site is known to be at risk of flooding and large amounts of standing water are often visible at the one end of the site."councillors were aware of other applications for developments along Ellesmere Road which would create extra traffic, and said local schools would struggle to cope with the influx of families.
A statement on behalf of the civic society said: "Too many homes are planned for this space and would place a significant pressure on the scarce local facilities.
"As a major route into the county town, Ellesmere Road already has a growing number of potential bottlenecks and danger points as it approaches the town centre."
A statement on behalf of the applicant says: "The site would contribute to the council meeting their identified housing targets and bring forward a site which has the benefit of an extant planning permission for residential development.
"The proposal has immediate and easy access to sustainable modes of travel.
"Vehicular access to the site will remain off the existing highway network, via Ellesmere Road, with the provision of a new site access."
