Plans for 25 new homes in north Shropshire village deferred - here's why

A proposal to build 25 new homes in a north Shropshire village has been deferred so that more clarification can be sought.

Hadnall-based Sansaw Dairies has submitted an outline application for the scheme on the outskirts of Clive, near Wem.

It is on a two-hectare plot of agricultural land to the south of Station Road, on the western edge of the village and outside of the settlement’s development boundary.

A total of 164 objections were submitted to Shropshire Council, with only one in support. Both Clive Parish Council and the local member, Councillor Alison Williams also objected.

Issues highlighted include the sustainability of the location; highway safety; flood risk, surface water and foul drainage; water supply and sewerage infrastructure; the capacity of local local infrastructure; the impact on ecology, biodiversity and protected species; the landscape character and visual impact; housing density; and the loss of agricultural land.

The one supportive representation said it would provide additional housing in the village, the scale of the development is reasonable, and approval would allow new residents to live there.

The proposal was considered by the Northern Planning Committee on Tuesday (October 20).

The recommendation by planning officers was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions.

However, committee members wanted clarification regarding Severn Trent’s position about how it can supply water to the site.

“Are they saying that, actually in their eyes, it’s sufficient that, yes they’ve got to top up a reservoir with tankers in order to supply water to Clive, or is it vice-versa?” asked Councillor Carl Rowley (Reform UK, St Martins).

“Maybe this needs to be deferred so that Severn Trent can confirm what they actually intend to do to supply water.”

However, area planning manager, Charlotte Morrison said it’s a Severn Trent issue, not a Shropshire Council one.

“It’s not for us as as a council to say whether Severn Trent is satisfied with the manner in which they deliver water to any resident,” she said.

“It’s not a matter for us, it sits outside of the planning system. It is their statutory responsibility.

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“I understand that you might want extra explanation. I would be reluctant to refuse it on that basis.”

Councillor Ben Jephcott (Lib Dems, Bagley), who was chairing the meeting, said members have to look how sustainable it is in the round, plus the capacity.

“Capacity is a very broad term and it seems to me, on planning grounds, it is hitting the limits of the capacity of this village,” said Councillor Jephcott.

“If we can’t impose a condition on Severn Trent to sort out the water supply and we have to look at the capacity the village to take additional development, I would be minded to reduce the number of units that we’re talking about.”

Councillor Gregory Ebbs (Lib Dems, Whitchurch South) proposed that the application be approved being that it is only in outline form at this stage.

He said: “I don’t like the fact it’s outside the immediate village area, however I am also minded to accept that with the new NPPF (National planning Policy Framework), there is greater emphasis on new homes.

“And although the tilted balance has been removed, there is still that need for the houses.”

His proposal was seconded by Councillor Ed Potter (Con, Loton). However, the proposal fell by five votes to three.

Therefore, Councillor Rowley – who had voted to accept the application – proposed that it should be deferred in order to seek a better explanation from Severn Trent.

Councillor Andy Davis (Lib Dems, St Oswald) added that the development would also change the nature of Clive.

“It is going to cause harm to landscape, there’s going to be a loss of rural character,” he said.

“It’s built on open agricultural land on the approach to Clive at the moment.

“The fact that the development is actually higher than the actual road level concerns me. I feel that it’s not a viable place to have development of this kind.”

However, Councillor Jepchott was reluctant to accept a proposal to reject the application. He therefore proposed it was deferred.

This, he said, was for clarity to be sought from  Severn Trent regarding the water supply; to get clarification and satisfaction about the drainage and it can operate by gravity rather than having to be pumped; and for further information to be provided about the levels of the development relative to the road. The proposal was carried with seven members voting four and one abstaining.