Hundreds gather to oppose 800-home Albrighton green belt development ahead of public inquiry

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The Albrighton Development Action Group (ADAG), which has been fighting proposals to build 800 homes for almost two and a half years, used the meeting at the Red House as a final rallying call ahead of the public inquiry due to start on 15 September.

Residents were brought up to speed with how the group are going to act as a Rule 6 participant alongside Shropshire Council, which refused Boningale Developments Ltd's application last year. The company responded to this by lodging an appeal against the decision.

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, again added his support, reaffirming his longstanding opposition for the development on the outskirts of Albrighton, which seeks to build on more than 119 acres of farmland and green belt.

"The energy and passion in the public meeting sent a clear message to Boningale Developments that we will fight this speculative green belt grab every step of the way," said Charlie Blakemore, co-chair of ADAG.

"To have over 200 residents turn out on a Friday night, 30 months after we started this campaign, demonstrates the strength of feeling against a proposal that is arguably one of the most significant ‘green belt versus grey belt’ cases to come before a planning inspector.

"Albrighton has already experienced significant development in recent years, with more planned. This proposal would carve additional swathes of beautiful rural green belt and valuable farmland from the area, creating a development of such scale that it would overwhelm local infrastructure, public services and amenities.

"Residents understand the realities of living here and can clearly see the impact an additional 800 houses would have. Our experts believe these plans would effectively create an entirely new settlement.

"As a community, we have raised £82,000 for the campaign to successfully challenge the plans alongside Shropshire Council and we now head into the final battle at the public inquiry. We will continue fundraising and received more than £2,500 in donations on the night and a further £2,600 from a Garden Party held over the weekend.

"The incredible support shown by residents reflects the determination of the community to protect Albrighton from this speculative and unsustainable development."

Local people were also urged to take part in the 'Great Green Belt Walk' on Saturday 12 September.

A statement lodged on behalf of the developer said: "Our vision for the site is for the development of up to 800 high quality homes that can fulfil the local and part of the wider regional need for market whilst respecting the character of the surrounding area.

"The development seeks to provide an efficient use of this site which occupies a sustainable location."

Following its refusal, a spokesperson for Boningale Developments added: "We remain steadfast in our view that this proposal would help Albrighton to continue to be a sustainable and vibrant location to live for generations to come and, as such, will now begin preparing for an appeal.

"Shropshire Council faces a severe housing land supply shortfall and is unable to demonstrate sufficient land to meet its statutory obligation of maintaining a minimum five years’ worth of deliverable housing.

"Alongside 800 homes the scheme proposes numerous community benefits and much-needed infrastructure, including a secondary school, care home, local centre and a new GP surgery with pharmacy and minor injuries unit, which will not be delivered without private investment."