'Not sustainable, not justified' - Inquiry into 800 homes plan for Albrighton green belt opens

Scores of village residents told a planning inspector of their objections to plans for 800 homes on Shropshire green belt.

The comments, ranging from heartfelt pleas to protect the idyllic countryside to submissions on planning policy, came at the opening day of a planning inquiry that will decide on Boningale Developments’ proposals for land at Patshull Lane in Albrighton.

The inquiry, which is scheduled to last for 12 days, began at Shropshire Council’s Guildhall in Shrewsbury, with a packed chamber hearing opening arguments from the parties involved.

Planning inspector Andrew Mcglone is presiding over the inquiry and will be tasked with the final decision on whether the controversial scheme gets given the go-ahead.

The proposal is for 800 homes, a local centre, a care home, and a secondary school on green belt land off Patshull Road in Albrighton.

Shropshire Council turned the application down last December, but residents’ joy at the decision was short-lived as Boningale Developments appealed to the planning inspectorate - specifically requesting an inquiry to hear the case.

More than 40 members of public were present as the hearing started, with many delivering impassioned statements calling on Mr Mcglone to reject the scheme.

Christopher Katkowski, representing Boningale Developments, had opened the hearing for arguing that the plan would be a sustainable settlement, providing benefits through a new care home, and a school.

He also highlighted the council’s lack of a five-year-land supply - a planning matter that tilts the balance in favour of approving sustainable housing applications.

Hugh Richards, representing Shropshire Council’s opposition conceded that there are benefits to the scheme, but concluded by saying: “The real problem with this development is its size, its adverse impacts and harmful effects arise because it is just too big for the location proposed.

“The council continues to maintain that planning permission should be refused.”

The opening also heard from barristers representing local residents through Albrighton Development Action Group (ADAG).

Chatura Saravanan for ADAG highlighted more than 1,000 objections to the scheme at application stage, and said the proposal amounted to inappropriate development of the green belt.

She also addressed the council’s lack of a five-year-land-supply, saying: “It is a matter of common ground that the council cannot demonstrate a five year land supply.”

But she added: “However, the lack of a five year land supply does not mean any old development at any settlement is acceptable.”

Councillor Peter Illes, of Albrighton and Donington Parish Council, addressed the hearing saying the proposal would lead to the “major, permanent loss of green belt”.

He spoke of the impact of potential traffic from the new site, saying: “The additional traffic from 800 new homes would potentially introduce 1,200 to 1,600 new vehicles, and this would significantly worsen congestion, air quality and road safety.”

Councillor Illes also questioned the need for a new school, and even suggested it could negatively impact nearby existing schools.

He said: “The proposal includes a new school, however local provision is already adequate.”

He added: “A new school where there’s no demonstrable need risks diverting resources from existing education provision and risks undermining them.”

The councillor also raised concerns over the potential for a supermarket in the new development, warning it would impact on Albrighton’s existing high street.

He concluded by saying: “this development is not sustainable, not justified, and not in the public interest.”

In total there were representations from 20 individuals, all raising objections to the scheme.

They included a raft of reasons, ranging from concerns of drainage, the sewerage system, roads, the impact on nearby heritage buildings, on wildlife, on the loss of valuable agricultural land, the loss of countryside, and whether a care home is needed.

Sanjiv Jogi addressed the inspector saying: “Originally I did not want to come here, I thought ‘what’s the point, the system of big business will win anyway,’ but sometimes you have to do your little bit, if it matters or not.

“Albrighton is more than houses, it is a community and its people deserve a voice in how it grows.”

The comment was met with resounding applause from those in the public gallery, before Mr Mcglone intervened stressing that the hearing was “not a popularity contest”.

The inquiry continues.

For the latest planning applications and public notices in your area, visit the Public Notices Portal.