3,000 home development would 'solve shortcomings of Shropshire local plan'

The inspectors have been so frustrated at perceived failings in the proposal that they have given council officials until the end of January to come up with a plan to fix it within six months.

One of the central issues in the complaints is the planning inspectors' belief that Shropshire Council is not providing enough homes and employment sites to meet its stated ambitions.

The  inspectors' letter also appears to point to green belt land in the Shifnal and Albrighton areas as potential solutions.

The developments could be good news for Bradford Estates, which wants to build a new settlement, called 'Weston', to the north of junction three of the M54, and to the west of the village of Tong.

The proposal includes up to 3,000 homes and a significant employment site.

In the wake of the inspectors' comments a spokesman for Bradford Estates, said the letter shows "a clear path to a sound plan".

They urged the council - which has previously resisted the Weston proposal - to now consider adding it to the plan to address the inspectors' concerns.

He said: "The Inspectors’ findings in their most recent letter validate the concerns we have raised throughout the process.

"The Inspectors have adopted our submissions that employment and housing needs must be fully met and delivered on a site in the Green Belt well connected to the Black Country.

“Whilst the Inspectors’ cannot name specific sites in our view it is clear that Weston is the only option that would solve the shortcomings of the current Local Plan.

"If the council did not bring Weston into the Local Plan, it risks exposing the area to speculative development proposals and a potentially larger calculated need would arise if the Local Plan is withdrawn.

“The Inspectors' comments show a clear path to a sound plan. The option at Weston has already been consulted upon at the strategic sites stage and was not included in the plan at the time solely because of doubts about need and Green Belt location.

"The need is now established beyond doubt, and Weston is uniquely situated to meet the Inspectors’ location requirements, with release from the Green Belt also now demonstrably essential. The need for economic development and housing delivery is greater than ever. Adding Weston to the plan will lead the way for Shropshire to meet those challenges, at scale, at pace.

“We look forward to working with the council in support of Weston’s inclusion in the plan, and adoption of the plan without further delay. With the Inspectors' latest guidance, we can put the problems with the plan behind us and move forward with our plans to the benefit of all."

Shropshire Council is yet to officially respond to the inspectors.