Plan to build nine bungalows behind north Shropshire supermarket revealed

A developer has submitted plans to build several bungalows on land behind a supermarket in Whitchurch.

Halls Land & Development Promotions Ltd is proposing to build nine single‑storey homes with new access, parking, gardens and landscaping on a two-acre parcel of grazing land.

The site sits between existing housing and Sainsbury’s supermarket on London Road, with a public footpath running along its western boundary.

According to the Design and Access Statement, the scheme aims to “provide a small development of bungalows” in a “highly sustainable location close to the services and amenities of the town” while retaining the “open and rural feel” of the site.

It’s not the first time the site has been eyed up for development, with previous plans to build up to 39 homes submitted in 2015.

Those plans were rejected by Shropshire Council and again refused on appeal to the Government Planning Inspector in 2017.

Now Halls say, that because the local authority is unable to demonstrate it has enough land for housing, the 2017 decision had been “superseded” and the new, “significantly reduced” proposal should be considered acceptable.

Shropshire's local plan - an important document outlining future locations for new housing and employment space - was effectively scrapped last year after government planning inspectors raised concerns, mostly about the lack of housing.

With the local authority unable to demonstrate it has enough land earmarked for new homes, any development that is considered "sustainable" is looked upon favourably.

The latest application, which is open for public consulation until June 4, is available to view online on Shropshire Council’s planning portal using reference number: 26/01706/FUL

You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star