Decision day set over controversial GKN Sankey factory redevelopment in Telford

Councillors deferred a decision in September when they called for more public consultation and now their officer says that has been done.

Officers are sticking with their recommendation from two months ago that they should grant full planning permission for the 46.6-hectare site.

They say they have met their legal obligations to consult and have proposed a raft of conditions that the developers will have to abide by.

But that hasn't stopped a flood of hundreds of objections continuing.

Mrs Aimee James, in a comment made last week, said: “I strongly object to this planning application as a local resident this proposal will only negatively affect us, the noise, light, vibration, traffic, pollution will all increase.

“The local wildlife will also be impacted, as currently we often see foxes and hedgehogs that will no doubt be dislodged by this proposal as the green space will be removed.

“The A442 is also a major concern, have the updated plans taken into consideration the existing traffic for all the new builds and commercial building that have been built in the last three to five years, as there has been a significant increase in daily traffic congestion.”

Mr Luke Yates said: “Traffic is bad enough already and set to increase with housing developments along the A442.”

Mr Andy Pigg is concerned about lorry movements on the local roads which he thinks is enough alone to stop this from proceeding.

“The affect on the local houses with the noise and light pollution, has not been considered, it is totally out of keeping compared to the existing industrial units in the area. This plan should be scrapped now," he said.

Councillor Jordan Keeble, of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, is also concerned about traffic.

The councillor said: “The development of this scale, with intended workforce and haulage will have a dramatic impact on the already overcrowded A442 from Shawbirch through to Trench Lock.

“This will be further compounded if the development proposals around Wappenshall proceed.”

There are also local concerns about the height of the buildings and it's impact on the character of the area.

The council acknowledges the “concerns raised by the public representations” but its officer's report says that they are “satisfied that the proposal remains in accordance with relevant local plan policies and the national guidance.”

An economic assessment of the plan states that the development itself could generate 1,970 jobs - 1,732 full time and 238 part time. That would would generate an estimated £66.6m gross of wages per annum.

The report reads that it could provide a £151.7m gross boost to the value of the local economy.

It says local firms would benefit.

It says: “The total gross expenditure available of those employed at the proposed development would be £4.5m per annum on convenience goods shopping, £6.3m on comparison goods (clothing footwear, personal items, electrical goods, health and beauty etc), and £1.4m on eating/drinking out and takeaway meals/snacks, once complete.”

It would also give a boost to the construction sector with 68 direct full-time equivalent construction jobs on-site annually.

This would also create 122 full time equivalent jobs in the construction sector as a whole (68 direct, 41 indirect and 13 induced) within the economy over the build period.

The full application is available to view online at Telford & Wrekin Council's planning portal, using the reference TWC/2023/0673