Developer 'keen to get on with' transforming Shrewsbury's former Dana prison
Developers behind plans to transform Shrewsbury's historic Dana Prison say they are "keen to get on with it", amid calls for further changes to plans.
The plans for redevelopment of HMP Dana were put in at the start of the year, but are yet to be decided by Shropshire Council.
The Osborne Group, behind the proposal, hopes to create a mixed use site with student accommodation, flats, a gym and a walled garden.
However, concerns have been raised about parking at the site, leading to changes in the layout for cars, and a new transport assessment being submitted.
Now, Trevor Osborne, part of the group, said he just wants to see things move along.
He said: "The documents are really detailing the further information that the council has asked for.
"There are no real major changes in the plans, but the council has asked for more and more information, so we have provided all of that for them.
"We are still waiting for a decision to be made. The application went in at the beginning of the year, we are beginning to get anxious about this now.
"We have discussed the issues, car parking isn't the issue that some first thought.
"Surveys have been carried out, it shows no significant change in traffic and so it isn't really an issue.
"We are very keen to get on with it now, we are not working on the building in the winter so we want to get a decision so we could get started next year.
"There are lots of things that need to be done before work can start, so we do want to get a move on."
Access plans for the site have changed following pressure from nearby residents, along with parking plans.
Following surveys and assessments, the latest report claims that the development will require less parking spaces than when the prison was fully operational.
Gym users will be encouraged to use a pay and display car park nearby, while other car parking arrangements have been abandoned around the former Lancasterian School, and instead relocated elsewhere.
Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "This is an important listed site with high heritage values and obligations to conserve and restore."
However, it is very unfortunate that the current outline proposals represent an over-development which will do significant harm throughout the local community and bring significant traffic and parking problems for a wide area.
"The transport plan submitted with the application is very weak in my opinion and grossly underestimates the likely impacts.
"The plan recognises the significant problems but current proposals will only make matters worse for the area. In my view the plans need to be referred back and a more detailed assessment undertaken."
