New fishing lake will be a catch
Fishermen and holiday makers will be able to land their catch at a new fishing pool set to open in a village near Shrewsbury.
Shropshire Council have backed plans for the pool at Westley House Farm, Minsterley and have also given the green light for 25 touring caravan pitches at the site.
In a planning statement submitted to the council, the owners of the farm, Andrew and Anne Griffiths said they wished to expand their current business and build a new lake which would be stocked with fish including carp, perch and roach.
The couple already have a successful caravanning business at the site with room for 17 pitches and want to create more pitches for visited touring caravans. The farm is a seasonal holiday site and caravans are allowed during the March – October season. It is also an adults only site which means it is extremely quiet and peaceful.
The new pitches would be located around the edge of the new pool.
The application, which was granted full planning permission under delegated powers earlier this week, follows a similar one made in 2011 for two fishing pools.
However, once work started on the second pool it became clear that it would not hold water, thereby making it unsuitable to hold fish.
A planning statement submitted by Berry's said: "Development therefore ceased, as the fishing pool was a significant part of the proposal and Mr and Mrs Griffiths went back to the drawing board. A specialist grounds engineer has since been employed to investigate soil conditions and following various tests, has concluded that the best location for the fishing pool is in the location now currently proposed.
"All 25 pitches will be located around the edge of the fishing pool and this will provide an appealing outlook for customers and add to the peace and tranquillity of the site, enhancing biodiversity and the ecological value of the area." Several trees will also be planted in the area including weeping willow.
