Developer behind controversial 800-home Albrighton development accused of ‘strong-arm tactics' as it files appeal notice

Boningale Homes has been seeking permission to develop a site to the south of Albrighton, on green belt land.

The proposal, which has attracted huge levels of local opposition, includes not just 800 homes but also a potential secondary school, as well as a care home and 'local centre'.

The development prompted the launch of the Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG), based in the  village.

The group, which has accrued 3,700 signatures on a petition opposing the development and more than 1,100 official objections to the Boningale Homes plan, is adamant that the 52 hectares of land highlighted is "prime green belt" and has called on Shropshire Council to throw out the planning application.

However, the council has yet to make a decision on the controversial scheme, and in the latest move, Boningale Homes has filed a ‘notification of intent to submit an appeal’ to the government planning inspectorate, citing a lack of decision.

If it appeals, it could see the planning inspectorate decide on the application instead of Shropshrre Council.

A spokesperson for AVAG called the latest move ”strong-arm tactics” by the developer.

The spokesperson said: “This is seen by many as Boningale Homes using ‘strong-arm’ tactics to bypass the local planning application process, in order to achieve its speculative green belt grab.

“The decision on the planning application had been waiting for the publication of Shropshire Council’s own green belt assessment, which was published on September 16. As expected, this confirmed the proposed site is green belt and not grey belt as alleged by the developer.

“It’s ironic that the Boningale Homes appeal seems to be based on a lack of a decision when the green belt assessment is a requirement of the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, and the planning inspectorate would expect this to be published before the local authority can make a decision.

“The people of Albrighton have and continue to be overwhelmingly against this unsustainable scheme to build 800 homes, which would overwhelm our community, putting extreme pressure on already creaking infrastructure, including drainage, roads and medical services.

“Over 1,100 official objections were registered and more than 3,700 signatures gained through a petition. The message from us is clear; we will continue to represent the wishes of the overwhelming majority of local residents by continuing to work with legal and planning specialists to fiercely oppose this speculative and huge development in the heart of good quality green belt.”

However, a spokesperson for Boningale Homes said the company is still hoping to work “proactively with the council”.

The spokesperson said: “We strongly believe the site Is a sustainable development which will greatly enhance the vitality of the village of Albrighton.

“It has always been our intention to appeal against any refusal or non-determination of our application at Albrighton. The issuing of our notice of intention to appeal formalises what is already known and does not mean an appeal will be made on the deadline or indeed anytime soon.

“It remains our intention to continue working proactively with the council moving forward.”

Shropshire Council declined to comment on the possible appeal.

The notice is available for public viewing on Shropshire Council's planning website using reference 24/02108/OUT.

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