Shock over five housing developments planned for a north Shropshire village

More than 100 people attended an event to discuss a wave of new housing proposals that could see over 320 more homes built in a north Shropshire village.

Boningale Developments is the latest developer to submit plans, lodging an outline application for 155 homes on a 7.55-hectare site off Perryfield Road at the southern end of Baschurch.

The proposal also includes land for a new GP surgery with a dispensary and an EV car club scheme.

Residents who attended the meeting at Baschurch Village Hall last Thursday (April 9) also reviewed four other live proposals in the village – totalling more than 100 homes.

A further application for around 58 houses in the centre of Baschurch is also expected to be submitted in the coming months.

Many attendees expressed shock at the cumulative scale of development, noting that more than 325 homes have already been built in the village over the past decade.

The proposed GP surgery generated significant discussion.

Although the Perryfield Road development includes land allocated for a new surgery, residents were informed that there is currently no commitment from the Integrated Cate Board to fund or deliver the facility.

Concerns were also raised about the suitability of the location proposed by Boningale Developments.

As the site lies outside of the village settlement boundary, many residents argued it is not central enough for people to access on foot, potentially increasing car dependency and worsening existing traffic pressures.

Marrons, acting on behalf of the developer, had previously advised Baschurch Parish Council that a full and thorough traffic assessment would be carried out at multiple points around the area to evaluate the impact of the proposed 155 homes and GP surgery.

However, residents say the full survey did not take place, and the transport assessment submitted within the planning application relies heavily on modelling software, using assumptions and estimates rather than comprehensive, ‘on-the-ground’ data.

Local survey findings from people living in Baschurch and Yeaton, carried out over a 12-hour period, highlighted significant pressure on existing infrastructure, including:

Over 4,500 vehicle movements across the Perryfield roundabout

More than 800 vehicle movements were recorded on the single-track lane to Yeaton, which has limited passing places and is regularly used by agricultural vehicles and school buses as well as cyclists and horse riders.

They therefore believe that the cumulative impact of the proposed developments would place unsustainable strain on already stretched local roads, services, and amenities.

“We are incredibly proud of how the community is coming together,” said the organisers of the meeting.

“While we fully acknowledge that new housing is needed, the reality is that more than 300 homes have already been built here in the last decade with no corresponding improvements to infrastructure or amenities.

“The village simply cannot sustain another 300-plus houses without serious and long-overdue investment in roads, healthcare, schools and essential services. Residents are not opposed to growth – we are asking for responsible, sustainable planning that reflects the needs and limits of our community.”