Ironbridge power station homes plan attracts opposition over 'repetitive' designs
Proposals for more than 100 homes on a former power station site have attracted a council objection over 'repetitive' designs for the houses.
Barratt David Wilson Homes is seeking consent for the detailed plans for 109 houses at the former Ironbridge Power Station.
The company had a previous application for the same proposal rejected last year over concerns about the "quality of design".
The report detailing the refusal said: "The scheme fails to capture an identity or sense of place that is relevant to the site and its history."
A further application was submitted in April of this year, and is currently being considered by Shropshire Council.
But, neighbouring Telford & Wrekin Council, which is a consultee on the plans, has voiced its concerns – again over the design of the houses proposed, and the space between the houses planned.
Listing issues with the plans, Penny Stephan, Principal Planning Officer (West) at Telford & Wrekin council said: "The focus of lower density around the periphery as required by the design code has not been followed through to this revised design and looks now even denser than the previous refusal (particularly to the north opposite the POS)."
Other issues raised include the green surrounds for the plans – and the amount of trees planned to line the roads.
The letter states: "Previous concerns were raised with respect to there being no ‘green edge’ to the periphery of the site, as a transition from the mature woodland which surrounds it.
"Whilst the central green space has now been moved riverside (which has its benefits), the lack of green spaces and buffer across the rest of the site is extremely disappointing – it appears even narrower than previously proposed."
It adds: "The site layout only shows two singular proposed street trees along the main spine road – again this goes against the design code requirements and is extremely disappointing given the National Planning Policy Framework desires in this respect."
They have also called for the design of the development's 'landmark building', which appears at the entrance of the site, to be improved.
It states: "The landmark building is the same as previously proposed (housetype H538 Moreton) and we remain concerned that this is not a housetype of appropriate quality/finish to be considered a focal gateway building."
Other issues raised include "very repetitive" streetscenes, with the plans going against design code recommendations which "suggests a need to avoid repetition buy ensuring that “no more than three consecutive dwellings of the same housetype”."
Signing off the letter Ms Stephan says: "In its present form, Telford & Wrekin Council would not support the proposed development."
But she adds that is it the concerns can be "overcome" with amendments to the plans.
Outline planning permission was granted for around 1,000 homes on the total site back in 2022.