Shropshire college site homes are backed

Two applications for outline planning permission from the owners of the college sites, The Radbrook Foundation and the council itself, were approved.

The college, which was set up in 1898, had been used by Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology up until last year when it decided to cease using the site.

Although the planning applications are of outline status, it is understood that the development would consist of around 127 houses and 20 flats – retaining the main section of the original Victorian college building, its lodge, and Walker House.

The suggested layout includes seven flats in Walker House and 30 houses on the Shropshire Council site, and 96 houses and 13 flats, in the original main college building on the Radbrook Foundation site. Some houses could be built on the former tennis courts and playing fields the college once had.

It is anticipated that now outline planning permission has been granted the site will be placed for sale on the open market.

Shropshire Council's site is the Radbrook Campus College Gardens, and the foundation's site is the Radbrook Centre.

Speaking at a meeting of of Shropshire Council's central planning committee, Paul Thomas a representative of the College Grounds Association, said that while he supported the proposal there were several areas of concern, the main ones being the loss of green space - most notably the college's hockey pitch and the density of the development.

"It would be out of character with other developments in the area," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the applicants Mr John Williams said: "We acknowledge that local residents have raised concerns. There could be up to 165 units on this site - that is the upper limit but 165 has been deemed the be acceptable for the development.

"This is an important opportunity to make a contribution to the need of housing within the town."

Councillor Peter Nutting reiterated the point about the loss of a playing field but added: "We all accept that this is a brownfield site. However, there are a shortage of green spaces in that area of the town and we need to ensure that some sort of playing area or kick about space is in the final plan."

Councillor Andrew Bannerman raised the issue of access on to Radbrook Road and the associated problems increased traffic could bring to the area. He said: "We need a protected pedestrian crossing for the road." And he lamented the loss of one of the last great parks of that side of Shrewsbury. "It was a beautifully laid out garden - parts of which you can still see today. I am also very concerned about the loss of the playing field and this is something that will need to be considered when the matter comes up for full planning permission."