Questions raised over views and green space for Flaxmill homes plan
Questions have been raised over green space and views after plans for 120 homes on the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings site were presented to councillors.
Architect Tim Greensmith said owners Historic England are looking to create a sustainable and vibrant community that complements the famous building.
But Shrewsbury town councillors raised concerns, and also questioned why 120 parking spaces were being allocated, given active travel aspirations of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan.
The plan, submitted in December, is the latest step in the multi-million pound regeneration of the Flaxmill Maltings.
Mr Greensmith said: "We're seeking a vibrant and sustainable community which will complement and be a fitting setting for the historic building." The current plan comprises 50 houses and 70 apartments.
Councillor Phil Gillam, who represents Belle Vue, suggested that artists' impressions of how the housing could be built showed it "may detract from seeing the Flaxmill in all its glory" from the roadside. Mr Greensmith said that Historic England is keen for the building to be seen, but that the large area of land in front of it "needs to be used".
Porthill councillor Julian Dean asked why so many parking spaces were being allocated. Mr Greensmith said consideration has to be given to the car-heavy culture we currently have but that he hopes the development will end up having less parking and more open spaces.
'Pocket parks'
Councillor Alan Mosley, whose Castlefields and Ditherington ward the Flaxmill is situated in, asked where the open spaces for residents to enjoy would be. Mr Greensmith said there will be "pocket parks" and "places to dwell" when it is built.
As well as the homes, two new business premises are also proposed along with the renovation of numbers one and 15 Haughmond Square, currently occupied by takeaway businesses Chilli Spice and Spring Garden.
Historic England has pulled back on plans to acquire the takeaways through a compulsory purchase order, saying it will continue negotiations with the current owners.
Over the last three years the Flaxmill site has undergone a major programme of work to restore the Main Mill and other buildings to create modern office space, a visitor centre and cafe.
Construction of a new car park, located on the triangle of land between the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and the railway line, got underway in February 2020 and will be completed in 2021.
The scheme is an integral part of the wider aspirations to regenerate the ‘Northern Corridor’ out of the town centre as part of the Big Town Plan.
