Controversial proposals for thousands of houses still to be decided in Shropshire - full details

Controversial proposals for thousands of houses are still to be decided in Shropshire.

With no Local Plan currently in place in Shropshire that guides future building and land use, it is no surprise that developers are taking advantage.

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When considering applications, planning officers have to use the “tilted balance” rule of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). In essence, that means that permission should be granted unless negative impacts significantly outweigh the benefits.

Already, a huge 1,500 home ‘garden village’ project has been approved for Tasley, near Bridgnorth, while an estate consisting of 450 houses has been given the green light near Ellemsere Road in Shrewsbury.

However, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Many large-scale applications are still to be considered, and no doubt many more will be submitted in the coming weeks and months.

Below are just some proposals that are in the pipeline in all parts of Shropshire.

Shrewsbury

Up to 430 homes at Weir Hill (26/00202/OUT)

Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes have submitted a joint outline application for the huge development at Weir Hill, which is off Preston Street to the east of the town.

The firms have already delivered two phases at the site, bringing 600 new homes, with the latest proposal being the third phase.

The scheme also includes a “local centre” comprising shops and community use space, access, public open space, landscaping, parking, surface water attenuation, and associated infrastructure.

So far, over 200 objections have been lodged.

1,400 homes between Mytton Oak Road and Hanwood Road

While a formal application has not been submitted yet, Commercial Estates Projects has stated its intention to build up to 1,400 homes to the southwest of Shrewsbury. It is another of Shrewsbury’s sustainable urban extensions (SUE) that has already been created to the south of Oteley Road.

The firm recently held a consultation event at Bowbrook Primary School where people could meet the developers and ask questions.

An application is due to be lodged later this year.

Shawbury

115 homes near RAF base (26/02532/OUT)

In nearby Shawbury, Bloor Homes has submitted an outline proposal for around 115 homes off Wem Road, near to RAF Shawbury.

The scheme includes 15 per cent affordable housing, while there will be new green spaces and publicly accessible open spaces, including a children’s play area and pump track.

Wem

Plans for 175 homes deferred (25/02775/OUT)

An officer used her powers to defer this controversial application last month.

Bellway Homes’ outline proposal is on land between Aston Road and Church Lane in Wem. When it was considered by the Northern Planning Committee, Councillor Ben Jephcott (Lib Dems, Bagley) proposed the committee reject it on the grounds of access.

However, development manager, Charlotte Morrison, said that, while there is “a lot more work to do”, what the committee is being asked is to consider, in principle, an outline application. She therefore used her powers to defer it.

Market Drayton

270 homes off A53 Shrewsbury Road (26/00843/OUT)

Gladman Developments has submitted an outline application for 270 new homes north of the A53.

It proposes a new roundabout for access to the development, as well as public open space, two play areas, seating areas, trim trail and natural play features, a shared cycleway and footway, and connected recreational routes that connect into the existing footway and Public Right of Way network.

Whitchurch

280 homes, off A41 bypass (26/02611/OUT)

Birmingham-based Richborough has submitted an outline application for the huge development it has branded ‘Whitchurch West’.

The £55 million scheme is on a 31-acre site that sits at the junction of the A41 Whitchurch bypass and B5398 Wrexham Road, west of Whitchurch town centre.

However, Councillor Andy Hall, who represents Whitchurch North, said he is concerned about more housing developments being submitted in the town in such a short time, believing that the lack of amenities won’t be able to cope with the demand.

Ellesmere

59-home retirement living complex off New Wharf Road (26/00585/FUL)

St Luke’s Dukinfield’s want to develop an historic site near the Shropshire Union Canal that could stop fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

If approved, it will consist of 59 apartments: 45 one-bed and 14 two-bed. The proposal also includes eight three-bed townhouses, with associated hard and soft landscaping, and amenity spaces.

Oswestry

Up to 335 homes off Mount Road (26/02084/OUT)

Over 230 people have objected to this scheme, with the consultation period being extended to August 20.

Wain Estates’ outline application is for up to 335 homes – some classed as affordable – on land south of Mount Road.

Documents state that the developer would seek to utilise and improve a section of the existing bridleway that crosses the site from High Fawr Avenue.

The primary vehicular access is set to be from a new priority junction on Mount Road along the northern boundary. An additional emergency access is also proposed from Mount Road, including bollards.

Baschurch

Up to 155 homes off Perryfield Road (26/01060/OUT)

Boningale is just one developer that has targeted Baschurch.

Its outline proposal is for up to 155 homes on a 7.55 hectare site off Perryfield Road  at the southern end of the village. The proposal also includes land for a new GP surgery with a dispensary and an EV car club scheme.

It is one of several housing applications that have been submitted for Baschurch.

Shifnal

500 homes to the east of the town

Protesters gathered at a consultation event at Idsall School last month to object to Harrow Estates’ huge proposal for 500 homes.

The site – which includes employment land –  is split between two sections. One is to the north of Stanton Road, the East of Coppice Green Lane, and south of the M54, and the second to the south of Stanton Lane. Employment land consisting of 120,000 square metres

A formal planning application is due to be submitted in due course.

Up to 200 homes south of Lamledge Lane (26/01188/OUT)

Another large development earmarked for Shifnal has been put forward by Catesby Estates.

The outline application proposes to demolish New Park Farm and construct housing. The land, which lies between the A464 and the Shrewsbury-to-Wolverhampton railway line, is currently used as farmland, woodland and caravan storage. Over 100 objections have already been lodged.

Much Wenlock

Up to 300 homes east of Bridgnorth Road (26/00294/OUT)

Another controversial application is Boningale Development’s proposal on land off Bridgnorth Road.

The site is made up of two pieces of land – one is next to Much Wenlock Infant School and the residential areas of Hunters Gate and Forester Avenue, while the other is between Bridgnorth Road and Callaughton Lane.

The developer said the scheme would include measures to address existing flooding concerns in the Hunters Gate area. However, over 180 objections have so far been submitted.

Church Stretton

75 homes on Snatchfield site (26/00328/OUT)

Northern Trust has submitted an outline application to build 75 homes on a site known locally as Snatchfield Farm., between Hazler Oachard and Chelmick Drive.

The outline application states that the development would include 16 two to four bedroom houses, 42 three to five bedroom houses, and 17 four to six bedroom houses.

It comes after a community campaign group managed to raise £5,000 to stop the site being developed in 2019.

And it has not gone down with locals again, with well over 300 objections being submitted.

Craven Arms

103 homes to the west of Watling Street

Craven Arms Developments and SH Partnerships have jointly submitted for the large scheme on the edge of the town.

If approved, the project would see a mix of sizes, including 31 two-bedroom and 58 three-bedroom properties, 206 parking spaces and a play area built at the junction of Watling Street and Clun Road, a short walk from the town’s station.

However, it has not gone down with residents, with a “Stop Watling 103” website being set up.

You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star