Wem care home plan comes under fire

Wem Town Council has formally objected to the scheme to build the home on land off Mill Street because of the potential impacts on traffic and flooding.

The proposal has been put forward by the Millhouse Group and is expected to create 17 jobs.

But Penny O'Hagan, clerk to Wem Town Council, said: "The proposals will have an adverse impact on the town as the additional traffic flows the development will create onto an already busy and congested narrow road, opposite a large development, will add to the existing air pollution and increase the standing traffic.

"The proposed design and appearance of the development is completely out of keeping with its location in a small market town and will have an adverse impact upon the conservation area.

"The proposals will have an adverse impact upon the sympathetic redevelopment of an historic building Wem Mill which is immediately opposite the proposed development.

"The town council has serious local concerns about the potential flooding of this development and its impact upon existing nearby properties which could be adversely affected by such large building.

"These proposals could particularly impact on residents of Roden Grove as the north side of the Roden is a flood zone two and the area fails the sequential test for flooding.

"In addition to this, due to the provision of other facilities in the town for elderly residents, the town council is not convinced there is a need of a development of this nature in the town."

Mrs O'Hagan said due to the strong feeling against the proposal, the town council has requested the application is considered by Shropshire Council's north planning committee and that a site meeting takes place for councillors to view the site prior to any decision being made.

The new care home would feature two blocks comprising 50 en-suite bedrooms – 32 in block one and 18 in block two.

A statement submitted in support of the application states: “Each studio room will include an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and living area.

“The ground floor to block one and two will accommodate communal facilities such as a dining room, living room and game room. Both blocks will work as one with inhabitants of either block having full access to office support, care support, communal facilities and amenity provision provided within each block.

"The tenure is likely a mix of open market and socially rented with one operator controlling the site.”

Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the scheme by September 19.

People can comment on the proposal as part of consultation into the scheme by visiting the council website.