Shropshire Star

Flood fears may put paid to Bomere Heath housing plan

Controversial plans for a new housing development near Shrewsbury look likely to be thrown out after councillors raised concerns about potential problems with flooding.

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Members of Shropshire Council's planning committee voted that they were 'minded to refuse' proposals to build 12 affordable homes on a site east of Merrington Road, in Bomere Heath, near Shrewsbury.

It comes after residents complained of raw sewage flooding homes in the Brook Road area.

Concerns have been raised that the new properties will put extra strain on the village's drainage system, while they may also be liable to flooding.

Officers will now draw up official reasons for refusal, to be approved by councillors at their next meeting.

The application was being discussed by councillors at Shirehall for the third time yesterday, with developers Severnside Housing Association said the estate would be serviced by a different drainage system to the houses in Brook Road.

But councillors said they could not support the plans after listening to presentations from Bomere Heath Parish Council and resident David Cookson, as well as from the developer's representative.

Pam Furber, from Bomere Heath Parish Council, said the parish council did not believe the site was suitable due its potential for flooding and the possible impact on existing properties.

"We know there is a need for affordable housing. We want to work with the council to find a suitable site," she said. "Nobody bothered to ask the local representatives what they wanted."

Her comments came after Severn Trent indicated they had no objection to the application, but did not wish work to start until 2015 to allow time to improve the village's sewerage system.

Councillor John Everall said: "If you talk to the people of Bomere Heath and especially at the end of Brook Road, they have had hell on earth many times."

By Chris Burn

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