Housing firm accused of being 'misleading and unethical' over comment generator to garner support for 114-home development on edge of Shrewsbury

Redrow Homes wants to build on land west of Lyth Hill Road in Bayston Hill, however residents are concerned about the loss of green space, extra strain on schools and doctors and the development’s proximity to the “dangerous” A49.

The firm has its own website for the Bayston Hill housing estate plans, which includes a slick and quick Shropshire Council planning portal comment generator, which is much more user friendly than the council’s own system for collecting comments.

It asks people for a few personal details and gives multiple choice options as to why they support the proposal, including “it would help meet housing need in Shropshire” and “I would be interested in living there”. Then, with a click of a button, the comment gets sent through.

The system has generated several duplicate responses in support of the plans.

In response, many people who do not support the plans have lodged copied and pasted comments objecting to the plans.

As of April 7, the plans have more than 500 comments -  483 objections and 17 in support.

Mrs Betty Ward was critical of Redrow.

She wrote: “The overwhelming sentiment among residents is opposition to this development, as it would negatively impact our environment and quality of life.

“Furthermore, we find it deeply concerning that Redrow has launched a website with an automated form designed to generate approvals for this application.

“This approach appears to be an attempt to manufacture support for a project that lacks genuine community backing.

“It is both misleading and unethical, as it does not fairly represent public opinion and undermines the integrity of the planning process.

“I urge Redrow to engage with the residents in a transparent and ethical manner. “Public consultation should be based on genuine engagement, not automated tactics that misrepresent the true stance of the community.

“We will be raising our concerns with the relevant local authorities to ensure that the voices of those who oppose this development are heard and fairly represented.

“We hope that Redrow will reconsider their approach and act in good faith by respecting the legitimate concerns of the community.”

A duplicate comment against the plans, which several different people have put their names to, reads: “I would like to indicate my strong objection towards the planning application for land west of Lyth Hill Road, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury.

“I object to this planning application because of the reasons already outlined in the other 400+ objections that have been submitted previously by the residents of Bayston Hill.

“Concerns include, a lack of infrastructure, impact of traffic on an already congested road network, flooding, drainage and sewerage issues and a loss of agricultural land.

“I would ask that you consider this representation as a formal consultation response in objection of the planning application as a decision is considered.”

A number of the copy/pasted supporting comments say: “I would like to indicate my support for the planning application because I would be interested in living there.

“I would ask that you consider this representation as a formal consultation response in support of the planning application as a decision is considered.”

The proposal comprises of 17 five-bed homes, 22 four-beds, 34 three-beds, 33 two-beds and eight one-beds.

Planning applications have previously been lodged to build homes on the land. Plans were refused in 2017, and an application for 106 homes on the site was submitted in November 2022 but withdrawn in February 2023.

Jen Towers, Planning Manager at Redrow Midlands, said: “Our proposed Bayston Hill development represents a significant opportunity to address unmet housing needs in Shropshire by delivering 114 high quality Redrow homes and four serviced self-build plots, and investing substantially in the local area and infrastructure.

“As part of the planning consultancy process, a web page was created to help those who support this development in Shrewsbury to voice their opinions to the local council. A link was also provided to the Shropshire Council planning portal, where the public can leave comments or voice their opposition.”