Shropshire Star

Public inquiry due to start over Muxton homes plan

A public inquiry into controversial plans to build 150 homes in Muxton is due to get under way on Tuesday.

Published

Seabridge Developments Ltd wants to construct the properties on land near numbers 74 to 86 Wellington Road.

The developer lodged an appeal after Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee rejected the proposals and a public inquiry will be heard on Tuesday at Meeting Point House, in Southwater Square, Telford.

The proposals which would have included about 30 affordable homes were submitted last year, but sparked an outcry from more than 300 residents who signed a petition against the plans.

They claimed the proposed new estate would be an over-development of the site and lead to highways issues.

Campaigners leading the fight have urged residents to turn out to the appeal hearing.

Kevin Brace, who set up an online petition to fight against several planning applications for hundreds of new homes in Muxton, has also urged more people to pledge their support by signing the petition ahead of the public inquiry.

On Facebook, he recently posted to the Opposition to the building of more housing in Muxton group: "Please sign this petition against building houses on greenfields in luverly Muxton (TF2) area.

"It's now less than 1 week for the Inspectors planning meeting - where we could defeat the developers!. I will harvest your comments & present to the Inspectors next week."

The petition at change.org has been signed by more than 310 people.

The public inquiry starts at 9am in Meeting Point House, Telford, on Tuesday.

It is due to last four days.

Last month, it emerged a planning inspector had dismissed an appeal by another housing developer to build 78 properties off Muxton Lane, in Muxton.

Gladman Developments had lodged an appeal after Telford & Wrekin Council rejected its application.

Delighted campaigners welcomed the decision.

Planning inspector Martin Whitehead stated in his decision that he found the proposal would result in a serious adverse effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.

A petition attracted about 500 signatures after residents launched a campaign against the development and scores attended a series of public meetings at St John’s Church.

Telford & Wrekin Council threw out the original scheme for 110 homes in December 2014.

And the revised scheme for 78 homes was thrown out in October 2015 on the grounds the proposals would cause significant and irreversible harm to the area.