Decision still awaited over works at Oswestry's British Ironwork Centre

Shropshire Council has said confirmation is yet to be made on retrospective planning permission for the centre.

Philip Mullineux, Shropshire Council’s principal planner, said: "Both the officer recommendation, and date for committee consideration, have not yet been confirmed.

"Officers are working to resolve outstanding issues and bring the application forward for consideration by a future committee.”

The centre is owned by the Black Country Metalworks Company, which has been at Whitehall Farm, near Oswestry, for 30 years.

It built a visitor centre and in 2015 it was revealed that the centre did not have planning permission and retrospective planning permission was applied for.

The application related to a number of things at the site, including 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 included a camping field, nature reserve and children's play area.

A document seen by the Shropshire Star appears to show that approval has been recommended.

Owner Clive Knowles said he was hopeful a decision would be made in favour of the centre.

He said: "We thought it had been recommended for approval and it was due to be decided but it now appears that doesn't seem to be the case.

"We now believe they are still considering it.

"We had seen a Shropshire Council document which was for approval, but that isn't the case and we will have to continue to wait now."

The centre, which has become renowned around the country as a top visitor attraction has grown considerably in recent years and now employs 85 staff.

It also holds major events, and Mr Knowles is hoping matters can be concluded by Christmas.

He said: "It started in 2015 and we are heading towards 2018 so we want it sorted out.

"It would be great if we could get it sorted, we just want to know what they want and what they don't want us to have."