Plans for 40 new homes in Ellesmere get approval despite objections

Plans for 40 new homes in Ellesmere have been approved.

Shropshire Homes’ development on land off Team Drive will include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, with 36 being on the open market and four being classed as affordable.

Vehicular access will from from Teal Drive, which connects to the A528 Grange Road.

Shropshire Homes say the scheme has been developed as a “landscape-led” proposal, shaped by detailed understanding of the site and its context.

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The firm added that it has also responded to key points raised during the pre-application process and comments made by a planning inspector at a previous appeal that was dismissed in 2017.

Shropshire Council’s Northern Planning Committee approved the application on Tuesday (October 20).

Councillor Pete Jones, chair of Ellesmere Town Council, said that, while members were not opposed to development, their concerns remained the same.

This, he said, includes the site’s location being outside of the development boundary, drainage and flooding issues, highway concerns, and the wider impact on the town.

Councillor Rosie Radford, who represents Ellesmere Urban, also stated her objections.

She said: “The very fact that so much additional work has been put in demonstrates the sensitivity and complexity of damage on this site.”

Andy Sheldon, land director at Shropshire Homes, said that, while the firm appreciate there have been objections, it is not unusual for any proposal for new housing, and isn’t in itself a justifiable reason for refusal.

He added that officers are aware of the issues and support a decision to grant permission.

Councillor Ed Potter (Con, Loton), said that, while he has sympathies with comments made by the public speakers and the local member, he questions whether the application could be defended if it was appealed.

“Based on the fact there are no objections from consultees and the technical side of things, I would find it very difficult to go forward and try and represent the views of a committee at appeal,” said Councillor Potter.

“The situation we find ourselves in is very different to what it was in 2017 with housing targets and no five-year land supply.

“We can debate how close we are and how far away we are, but the fact is, it’s looked upon that we don’t have it. Reluctantly, it puts us in a position where I would propose accepting this, as per the officer’s recommendations subject to conditions.”

His proposal was supported by seven other committee members, with one voting against and one abstaining.

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