Shropshire's British Ironwork Centre submits retrospective planning application for expansion

The centre's owners, The Black Country Metalworks Company, has been at Whitehall farm, on the A5, south of Oswestry for 30 years and, over the past decade, has created a visitor centre.

This week it put forward a planning application for the change of use of land and buildings, erection of extensions to form a rural enterprise centre and the formation of visitor parking areas.

The plans also include a camping field, nature reserve and children's play area.

In a report to councillors from planning consultants, Berrys, Mr Stuart Thomas says that the centre employs more than 60 members of staff and also provides starter units for up and coming small businesses.

He said if planning permission was not granted the business would struggle to sustain the current employment and the level of support being provided to the fledgling businesses on site.

"Everything told the consequences would be grave," he says.

"The business has a view to hosting small, social events going forward from the community tug of war to a Park Run.

There are also plans for donkey and falcon rescue centres.

"The Centre is self-funded and offers no burden to the tax payer, local or central government."

"It has an annual payroll figure exceeding £1 million - contributing to the local economy."

Concerns in the past about the entrance and exit onto the A5 trunk road are the subject of a Highways report.

This suggests creating a 'bellmouth' juntion onto the A5, which allows good visibility for motorists.