Homes and pitch scheme welcomed

Plans to build more than 300 homes, play areas and a full size football pitch in Whitchurch are good news, a town councillor has claimed. Peggy Mullock has welcomed the plans.

If the scheme, for a site off Black Park Road, is approved it will see 323 homes built, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four and five-bedroom family homes.

Developers Redrow Homes and Anwyl Construction submitted the plans to North Shropshire District Council this week.

The scheme also includes open public space, play areas, and the football pitch, which will secure the future of Whitchurch Alport Football Club, which has been struggling to run several teams because of a shortage of football pitches.

About 40 per cent of the homes will be classed as affordable, while the plans also include remodelling Whitchurch Railway Station car park, to include a turning and drop-off area for cars and buses.

Councillor Mullock said the development would bring more people to the town and benefit everyone.

"Whitchurch is an expanding town and we want people to come here," she said. "The way you get people here is to put more houses up. We've got good schools and good shops.

"The really good news is for Whitchurch Alport, getting another pitch. There's a shortage of football practice areas and pitches."

A decision is expected from the district council by the end of June. Redrow said if permission was granted, work could start this year.