Councillors oppose plans for Shrewsbury retirement flats
Councillors have added their voice to objections for plans to build dozens of retirement flats on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.
Members of Shrewsbury Town Council gave the proposals to build 35 retirement apartments in Wenlock Road a lukewarm reaction, claiming that the proposed demolition of an existing house was unnecessary and that suggested parking provision would be inadequate.
It comes after developers McCarthy and Stone gave a presentation about the project – which would see an existing house at 117 Wenlock Road torn down and replaced with the new flats and 28 parking spaces – to members of the town council's planning committee last week.
More than 100 people have already signed a petition opposing the plans.
Minutes from the planning committee meeting say: "Members objected to this application on the grounds that the parking provision is inadequate for the number of residential units. While they understand the nature of the development, they dislike the massing of the building and they feel that demolition of 117 Wenlock Road is a significant loss to the area. Members felt the building had been designed sensitively for its surroundings but despite the mix of materials and staggering the building line, they disliked the massing effect."Members spoke about the lack of amenities within walking distance of this development and considered the suitability of the site.
"There were mixed views but in general they felt sites closer to the town centre with better public transport would be favoured in the future."
Darren Humphreys, regional managing director at McCarthy and Stone, said the developers had consulted extensively with local residents before submitting plans.
He said: "The average age of home-owners within Retirement Living accommodation is 79 years. This results in low traffic generation, particularly at peak times, with low levels of car ownership.
"The level of car parking spaces proposed is appropriate for the type of specialist older persons accommodation we are proposing and would meet the needs of our future homeowners and visitors."
"We acknowledge that some local feedback, in particular from neighbouring residents, raised some concerns. As a result, our plans were altered to reflect the feedback with a new, single building inspired by traditional local architectural styles with timber framed gables.
"A height of two and a half storeys is proposed, resulting in ridgelines and eaves heights that are similar to that of neighbouring buildings, ensuring that the proposed new building relates well to the existing Wenlock Road built form.
"The new building has also been carefully positioned, centrally within the site, to provide appropriate separation and ensure neighbour amenity is respected."
