13-home Telford proposal to go before planners
Thirteen new houses could be built in place of an apartment block in Telford, if plans are approved.
Telford & Wrekin Council officers have recommend the authority's planning committee approve the plan for 11 two-bedroom homes and two bigger houses, but the site’s neighbours have raised concerns of overdevelopment.
The proposal involves the demolition of the Wrekin Housing Trust's Pool Meadow block and the two semi-detached houses around the corner on Church Street, in Hadley.
A new road access would also be created.
The current apartment block has three floors, while all the proposed new houses are one-or two-storey.
The report states: “The scheme will see an increase of three dwellings on the site.
“Twenty-six parking spaces will be provided, and a landscaping scheme has been provided as part of this application.”
In a design statement submitted to the council, Wrekin Housing Trust call the plans a “positive development for the area” providing “much-needed housing” which is affordable and respects its surroundings.
It states: “The construction of good-quality traditional dwellings will be attractive to local residents and future tenants alike and will integrate the development into this area of Hadley."
However, the planning report notes that, of the 18 neighbouring properties that were consulted, four occupants wrote back raising concerns. These included worries about the impact on parking and traffic.
“There are currently 10 dwellings and 14 parking spaces on the site,” the report says.
“The proposal is for 13 dwellings and 26 parking spaces which is a considerable increase on a small plot. It is considered that this proposal is overdeveloped.”
The objectors also pointed out that Church Street and Pool Meadow are busy roads which become crowded with pedestrians and motorists, especially during rush-hours and school-runs.
Eleven of the proposed houses will have driveways at the front while the remaining two will use an access road off Pool Meadow, and all will have to cross the footpath to drive in or out.
Recommending that the nine-member planning committee votes to approve the proposal, the report concludes: “The scheme is acceptable in respect of scale and design and would not cause any detrimental harm to the amenity of any neighbouring properties.
“The parking provision and access arrangements on the site are considered to be acceptable and have been supported by the local highways authority.”
The committee will discuss the plans today.
