Hundreds turn out to criticise Shropshire homes plan

Hundreds of people in south Shropshire have turned out to criticise plans for thousands of new homes across the county.

Shropshire Council chiefs say they welcome local residents' views on its SAMDev proposals before the consultation closes next month.

However, there are signs of a public backlash. Locals flocked to events last night in Bishop's Castle and Church Stretton to see how the plans could affect them.

The SAMDev plan was created by Shirehall in consultation with parish and town councils to find suitable areas to build more homes.

The plans set out a framework which includes building 16,000 homes during the next 14 years.

However the selection of 'preferred options' in some areas have been lambasted by locals, prompting councillors to remind residents SAMDev is still open to public consultation.

Just under 50 Bishop's Castle residents packed into the town hall last night to hear from Andy Mortimer, planning policy manager at Shropshire Council.

After he summed up plans for the town, local residents lined up to criticise the preferred site off Oak Meadow.

Council bosses say the site could accommodate up to 40 new homes and more space for sheltered housing, but it was described as 'disgusting' by one local because of the increased threat of traffic.

Charlotte Barnes, Shropshire councillor for Bishop's Castle, said: "As we have said this is just the consultation stage."

In Church Stretton hundreds of people visited the Silvester Horne Institute to view the plans. Some have criticised one of the preferred sites at Church Stretton School, which would see up to 44 homes built over playing fields.

But Church Stretton mayor Tom Beaumont said the school would gain more facilities in the long term.

He said: "I'm happy so many people have come out. The turnout shows democracy in action."