Revised plans for Hodnet village homes revealed

Bosses at Strutt and Parker held a drop-in information session at Lyon Hall, in Hodnet, near Market Drayton, last night to discuss controversial plans to build on land off Shrewsbury Road.

The developer revealed they now hope to build 44 three, four and five bedroom homes on the site after having a planning application for 50 homes thrown out by Shropshire Council planning chiefs.

Around 20 residents attended the meeting. Frank Brereton, from Strutt and Parker, said the revised plan is more in keeping with the village and has an improved road layout.

He also confirmed four and five bedroom properties will now have a garage.

Mr Brereton said: "The feedback we have had suggests people think the new layout is an improvement."

He confirmed an appeal has been launched against its decision to refuse the first application but the firm is now concentrating on the new plans.

He said: "We want to built a scheme that is acceptable. If this scheme is more favourable that is the one we will progress with. We hope to submit a new planning application by the end of the month."

Councillor Derek Hodge, from Hodnet Parish Council, said: "I think the new plan is a step in the right direction and a significant improvement on the first scheme.

"However we do have concerns that the first application is subject to an appeal. I feel the second application is better for Hodnet and I encourage further comment on it."

Resident Randall Hardy said: "I think it's a slight improvement but still on the cramped side. This development has the potential to have an urban atmosphere and some of the houses seem very close together.

"The plans do not show car parking spaces or where people will leave their bins.

"They also have not shown where or what type of street lighting they will use.

"Hodnet needs more homes but it's questionable whether it needs as many as 44. I would like to see another six removed."