Parish meeting over plans for Baschurch store

A special meeting will take place in north Shropshire later this month over controversial plans to create a new convenience store after more than 750 people signed a petition objecting to the proposals.

Baschurch Parish Council has called the meeting after the petition was launched over plans to create a new Spar shop near Newtown Garage in the centre of the village.

Many villagers said they believe a shop could spark anti-social behaviour, noise and traffic problems.

Opponents also said it would sound a death knell for existing businesses including the village shop, farm shop, hardware store, post office and pubs.

The meeting will take place in Baschurch Village Hall at 8pm on January 17.

Anne Howls, clerk to the parish council, said people would be allowed to attend and be able to share their views on the plans.

She said: "The parish council has called for the meeting to look at amended plans for the development.

"The public will be able to attend and I think the chairman will allow the public to speak before the meeting officially opens."

Kal Douley, sub-postmaster in Baschurch, warned he could be forced to close if a competitor selling many of the same goods made his business 'unviable'.

But supporters of the project say young unemployed people, the elderly and disabled could all benefit from having a new shop in the heart of Baschurch.

Applicants Lancroft Developments defended the plans, and say they have been revised several times to ensure that the property is an asset to the village.

A report on behalf of the applicant says it would initially create 23 jobs.

At a previous meeting in Baschurch Village Hall there was standing room only as about 100 villagers had their say.

The parish council objection, by a single vote, with the petition, means the application will be decided by Shropshire Council's north planning committee.

By James Pugh