Plans for 300 homes on outskirts of Shrewsbury could be delayed over traffic concerns
Plans for hundreds of homes near Shrewsbury revealed more than a year ago could hit further delays after developers and traffic officers failed to agree on potential problems.
The scheme for 300 homes was put forward for land between Calcott Lane and Shepherd's Lane in Bicton, Shrewsbury, in May last year and has already been delayed a number of times.
Now, Highways England hopes to extend the time before a final decision is made by a further three months.
Patrick Thomas, asset manager for Highways England, said the organisation still has a number of concerns about the project, and says more information is still needed.
He said: "It has therefore not been possible to progress the outstanding issues relating to this application and for these reasons we must recommend non-determination of the application for a period of three months beginning August 2, until the information is provided and we have agreement with the applicant on any improvements necessary to mitigate the traffic impact of the development on the strategic road network."
Shropshire Council will now decide whether or not to give a "three month period of non-determination" on the plans – giving the applicant time to provide more information.
The highways organisation wants to see a junction assessment and an update on the Oxon Link Road scheme – a multi-million pound link road proposed for between the A5 bypass and the Holyhead Road – before it backs the project.
It has already asked for at least three extensions of three months in a bid to get more information from the developer before deciding on whether it can support the scheme.
But the proposals have come under fire from hundreds of residents who fear it will cause too much extra traffic.
The plans have attracted more than 100 objections from residents who say the homes would swamp the village.
About 500 people signed a petition objecting to building in the area, while others added objections to the plans on Shropshire Council's website.
However, applicants say the plans would be "entirely sustainable" and added that it would make a "contribution" to Shrewsbury.
Should the time extension be approved, it will give developers until November to provide more information.
Les Stephan Planning Ltd, on behalf of applicants Hollyhead Estates Ltd, said: "The provision of additional housing will seek to support local services and encourage growth and will be designed on the basis of further community consultation in relation to housing need."
Plans are available to view on Shropshire Council's website.
