New plan to demolish Shropshire author Mary Webb's home is opposed
Plans to demolish the former home of Shropshire author Mary Webb and replace it with a five-bedroom home have been met with opposition by the group which celebrates her life and works.
Members of the Mary Webb Society have dubbed the plans as the "desecration" of one of the focal points of the county's literary history.
The proposals lodged with Shropshire Council by county businessman Joe Kwaterski are for the demolition of the novelist and poet's home, Spring Cottage, at Lyth Hill, near Shrewsbury, and for it to be replaced with a five-bedroom house.
The plan follows on from a similar application in 2013, which was rejected.
Planning inspector Victoria Lucas-Gosnold dismissed the application on the grounds that the new development would harm the character and appearance of the local area and would encroach on the privacy and living conditions of neighbouring properties
Gladys Mary Coles, president of the Mary Webb Society, said she strongly objected to the new plans.
"Obviously the society is very upset that this is happening again especially ahead of an extremely important year for Mary Webb," she said.
"Next year is the 100th anniversary of the publication of her first novel. Next year there is an exhibition about her at Shrewsbury Museum.
"There are also plans in the pipeline to unveil a sculpture of her in Shrewsbury and the possibility of BBC's Countryfile filming a segment about her.
"These plans seem so very sad and cynical, they come at a time when Mary's profile will be raised more than ever before, I don't know how you can think of demolishing such an important place in Shropshire's literary history."
Applicant Mr Kwarerski said he felt confident the latest plans met the planning inspector's criteria.
He said: "All we want to do is build our family home in what we think is one of the nicest places just outside of Shrewsbury.
"Our first plans were deemed as unsuitable and the appeal went in favour of objectors but what we got from the appeal was the criteria we needed to work to.
"We don't want to upset anyone, we hope to be the good neighbours we want to be."
Mr Kwarerski also said no historic reference to Mary Webb remained at the property as work that had been done previously changed it "significantly" to when the author lived there.
Ms Coles urged those who objected to the plans to make their voices heard and "respond fast" as the deadline for representations is in three weeks.
