Factory site plan is backed

Borough councillors have backed a multi-million pound masterplan which would lead to 550 homes, a hotel and 6,000 jobs being created on the site of a former factory in Telford.

The proposals for the former Celestica site could see £1.4 million spent by developer Bovale on education, sustainable transport, traffic improvements, affordable housing and other areas.

Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board yesterday, granted outline permission for plans for the land off Castle Farm Way, Priorslee.

The permission is subject to concerns of the Highways Agency about the impact on Junction 4 of the M54 and the scheme not being "called in" for a decision by the Government.

The approval would also be subject to an agreement for the financial contribution and the provision of 22 per cent of the homes as "affordable".

Bovale revised its plan after objectors, including The Friends of Priorslee La- ke, claimed the original would devastate one of the area's best wildlife havens .

It moved the proposed development away from the north shore of the lake.

The revised scheme includes 51,000 sq metres of employment space and a 6,500 sq metre hotel.

Councillor Ian Fletcher said: "I feel this application has met most of the objections from the residents, apart from those who don't want development at all."

Councillor Hilda Rhodes said she was pleased some of the issues had been addressed. The Celestica factory closed at the end of last year with the loss of more than 600 jobs.