'Horrified and devastated' residents fear imminent plans for new homes after village fields fenced off

The Glebelands in Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, which one villager described as “the lungs of the community”, was shut off to the public.

The land, which has been used by the public for generation for picnics, football matches and community events such as celebrating the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, has been the subject of rows over housing plans in recent years.

In June last year, Shingler Homes, working in partnership with landowner, the Diocese of Lichfield, submitted plans to build houses on the land.

But, after a backlash which included 230 objections on the planning application, the proposal was withdrawn within a couple of months.

Now residents are fearful a fresh application could be on the horizon.

Resident Teri Trickett said: “The Diocese of Lichfield have started fencing off The Glebelands and I mean blocking all access including the regularly used footpaths. We are both horrified and devastated in equal measure!”

Julie Hodgkiss, clerk of Bayston Hill Parish Council, said the authority is “shocked” that the site has been fenced off, prohibiting public access.

“We fully expect that the Diocese of Lichfield will endeavour to submit a planning application to build houses on this site in the coming months,” she added.

“The parish council has opposed any development on this site since the collapse of the proposed ‘hybrid site’ plans a few years ago.

“We have written to Julia Buckley MP and Councillor Ted Clarke, our Shropshire Council representative, to garner their support.”

Anyone wishing to oppose the development can contact the Friends of the Glebe group on [email protected].

The Diocese of Lichfield has been approached for comment.