200 homes bid for next phase of Lightmoor development in Telford

A primary school, community centre, sheltered accommodation, shops, a nursery and 300 homes have already been built at Lightmoor Village, and a bus service through the village began running in September. Plans have now been registered for the next part of the development.

Bournville Village Trust and the Homes & Communities Agency has applied for 200 homes and a public open space to the north west of the village.

Sue Rowlands, from Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design, which drew up the plans, said: "The proposed development provide up to 50 affordable dwellings, of which at least 40 will be for social rent.

"In reality, Lightmoor Village has provided 100 per cent of its affordable homes as social rented and this is likely to be the same for the Horsehay land.

"The HCA owns the land, which had been earmarked as potential employment land, but as it is no longer required for employment we would like to use it as an extension of Lightmoor Village, providing up to 200 homes along with public open space."

However, residents have expressed concern.

Steven Edwards, who lives in Woodhouse Lane, Horsehay, directly behind the proposed site, said: "I know there is a village-wide group who are dead-set against this. This would end Horsehay as a village. The sense of community would be destroyed.

"I object to this building application on several grounds. There will be disruption to animals living in the field such as field mice, voles and the fox, which has a vixen and cubs.

"The view of the countryside behind the field would be destroyed, and light into all of the residents' south-facing gardens would be destroyed."

Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board will make a decision on the application.

By Pam Griffin