Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury play area bid refused by council for site of former college

Campaigners expressed disappointment at a council decision not to force a developer to include a play area on a new housing estate in Shrewsbury.

Published
Former Radbrook College

Shropshire Council’s planning committee passed a proposal for the former Radbrook College site, which will see 126 houses built on the land, with no play area for children.

Councillors had delayed a decision on the plans for a month because they wanted developers Floreat homes to reconsider not including a play area on the site. But after extra discussions between the developers, Floreat Living, and the council, officers recommended approving the original plans, with £60,000 to be spent on two nearby play areas.

Dave Kilby, of Shropshire Playing Fields Association, questioned what separated the proposal from a plan to redevelop Copthorne Barracks, where a play area is being included. He said: “What is the difference between a young person from Radbrook and a young person from Copthorne?”

Council planning and development manager Ian Kilby said that a number of other play areas are within a short walk of the site.

However, David Kilby suggested that the routes to the areas could be dangerous for parents and young children – a claim rejected by the council officer.

The planning committee heard that the play area could not be included in the development because it would be too close to housing under ROSPA guidelines. It was heard that one acceptable piece of land on the site was not considered because it was too secluded and could lead to safety issues.

Shrewsbury Town Council backed the proposals and town clerk Helen Ball said: “It was clear siting a infant or junior play area on the site was going to be problematic.”

Committee member Dean Carroll backed the plans. He said: “I have heard nothing that changes my opinion from last month that we should be approving the application as it sits before us.”

“I have heard everything being said about providing on site play facilities however I do not feel the merits of that outweigh the desire of the town council and local resident being resistant to having a play area on site.”