150-home plan for Shrewsbury Caterpillar site recommended for approval

Caterpillar Defence is seeking permission for two proposals that will develop its business and use its site off Lancaster Road in Shrewsbury to provide 140 homes.

Both proposals will go before members of Shropshire Council’s central planning committee next Thursday and have been recommended by planning officers for approval.

The first application would see the creation of a new reception building, alterations to other buildings on the site, plus clearance to accommodate future expansion.

It also proposes a replacement 275-space car park.

The second is a revised scheme that would see the demolition of a building on a separate area of the site followed by the creation of 140 homes on part of it.

Planning officer Tim Rogers said: “The proposals [to develop the business] are closely linked to the separate proposals to redevelop the southern part of the site for housing which is being reported separately on this agenda.

“If approved, the applicant has said the release of a capital receipt from the sale of housing land will enable this money to be reinvested in the retained site.

“Part of that reinvestment includes the works proposed in this application as well as additional plant on the site.”

Traffic concerns

Mr Rogers explained the proposals were being brought before councillors because of the size of the development and following objections voiced by Shrewsbury Town Council.

Town councillors previously expressed concerns over the impact of the development on existing traffic problems in the area and also said it amounted to overdevelopment.

They also said business and residential traffic should be separated.

However, highways officers did not object but requested conditions on the plans for the business, including the creation of a construction method statement, a travel plan and restricting access into housing site to the south.

The housing plans have also received more than 40 letters of objections, mainly commenting on traffic issues.

The heavy machinery company employs about 280 people at its remanufacturing site, which is accessed from Lancaster Road and backs onto Mount Pleasant Road and Morrisons.

Economic and social benefits

Commenting on the business application, Mr Rogers added: “The development accords with the development plan. It will support an important and long-established local employer to stay in the town.

“Significant weight must therefore be given to the economic benefits of this scheme as well as the social benefits associated with activity with the applicant does in the town especially in the field of local apprenticeships and outreach with schools.

"There are no environmental constraints that would prevent this from being supported, provided the developer enters into a green transport plan.

“For this reason, the scheme is recommended for approval.”

On the housing application, he noted: “The applicant has made a strong economic case for releasing this surplus site and investing in the remainder of the site.

“The delivery of additional housing and extra economic activity through this type of development is a welcome short-term economic gain.

“Socially, the application will support local facilities and provision has been made for investment in off site open space.

“There are no substantive environmental factors that would justify the refusal of planning permission.

“Indeed, the re-use of brownfield land tips the balance in favour of the scheme.”

By Emily Lloyd, Local Democracy Reporter