Controversial plans to expand business park into beloved woodland refused after kickback from residents
Controversial plans to expand a business park in Market Drayton and create a new "community woodland" have been rejected after coming under fire from residents.
At the end of last year, plans to create a formal area of public woodland near Tern Valley Business Park on the outskirts of Market Drayton were submitted by the Healey Estate.
The application was part of wider plans to expand the business park and build three homes on part of the land adjacent, known locally as Damson Wood.
The developers argued that with a change of use from private land to public, the proposal "would provide a secure long-term option for the provision of open space in this part of Market Drayton".
But local residents kicked back at the plans, and arguing that the 'new' woodland would come at the expense of the well-used beauty spot - Damson Wood.
"The idea of providing a managed recreation area on ground that is already much appreciated by local people as an entirely natural recreation area is disingenuous," argued resident John Hargreaves, who was one of 132 residents to object to the plans for the woodland.
Dr Robert Odle added: "The wildlife doesn't need a sanitised riverside park it needs to be left alone."
Neighbours also objected to the plans to build a car park at the site, arguing that a car park in a secluded area would increase incidents of antisocial behaviour.
By the time the consultation closed on the plans for an additional 8,932 square metres of commercial floorspace at the business park, 720 residents had objected.
Elliott Powell, spokesperson for community group Save Damson Wood, wrote: "Not only do we have dog walkers, but the children from the local nursery walk through the woods to learn about nature and wildlife.
"Local gym enthusiast jog through the muddy trails. And many staff from the local Muller Factory use the public footpaths during their lunch. You see, Damson Wood is a hub for the local community.
"A safe haven of tranquillity and enjoyment. Many of the local people use it which is why we are so passionate to save it."
Now, Shropshire Council has refused the change of use application and the outline planning permission application for the business park expansion.
Responding to the developer's plans to expand the business park, Shropshire Council planning officers said the proposals "are considered to constitute over-development of the site due to the adverse impact on the existing woodland" and said the "significant loss of semi-mature trees" would be "unacceptable".
On the plans for the woodland, planning officers stated that "the proposals do not represent a sustainable form of development" and that the plans "will detrimentally impact the residential amenities of nearby neighbours to the proposed car park".
It added: "The secluded location of the proposed car park along with the lack of any detailed management plan is likely to result in an increased potential for anti-social behaviour in the locality to the detriment of nearby residents amenities."
Three years ago, plans for a residential development of 97 houses on the Damson Wood site were abandoned following a lengthy campaign by residents.
Community group Save Damson Wood, who campaigned against the 2021 development proposal, vowed to "fight hard" against the latest plans.
Posting on social media, a spokesperson for the group said they were "absolutely chuffed" by the news.