Shrewsbury planners 'will defend against poor designs' after concerns over masterplan
Planners insist they will defend against poor design after concerns were raised over Shrewsbury's masterplan.
Tim Pritchard, Shrewsbury programme manager at Shropshire Council, admitted people had questions over the look of some of the preliminary drawings, but claimed planners will incentivise good design and that they are creating the heritage of the future.
Speaking at the final Big Town Plan Festival discussion, Mr Handley said: "It's fair to say through the presentations at the event there have been strong common themes and I think the concern about quality and how do we hold onto Shrewsbury's character and its assets is well acknowledged.
"I think there's been some challenges for us. We've had some questions and comments made to us about some of the imagery. People are concerned with the style point of view.
"When David Milner did his presentation he clearly highlighted that we need to work very hard to make sure not only do we defend against poor design but we incentivise (for good) and I think that's where the vision is starting to bring the right people to the table.
"We'll create strong legacies for the future. We're creating the heritage of the future.
He added: "It's given us something to think about. We wanted to make sure the widest sections of the community had the opportunity to give their views.
Commitment
"I think there is an absolute commitment to make sure we have the right quality of development going forward.
"It's for the people of Shrewsbury to decide, shape and influence changes."
The festival has enabled experts to delve further into the masterplan document which sets out a vision for the future of Shrewsbury.
The document is aimed at sparking debate about the future of the town, and explores ideas including creating a new northern entrance to the railway station and a riverside walkway and park by re-routing traffic away from Smithfield Road, and revitalising the Abbey Foregate viaduct to provide space for businesses and community events.
Concerns have been raised over the bus station being demolished, how changes would impact on the aesthetic of historic parts of the town centre, how travel may be impacted and how it will all be paid for, especially given the damage done to the economy by the Covid-19 pandemic.
But civic leaders say plans are "not set in stone", and that they believe the aspirational ideas would help improve Shrewsbury for generations to come.
To listen to discussions held at the Big Town Festival visit festival.shrewsburybigtownplan.org/programme
