Developers defend access bid at Shrewsbury's Copthorne Barracks
Developers insist plans to build a new entrance for cars on one of Shrewsbury's most historic streets as part of the development of the Copthorne Barracks site would not harm the area.
Consultants working for the Ministry of Defence say that their proposal for an entrance at Barracks Lane off The Mount would be safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
The MoD wants to build more than 200 homes at the former Copthorne barracks, as well as retirement flats.
Under the plans it has been suggested that the retirement home would have a separate access from Barracks Lane, although Shropshire Council roads experts said they were unhappy with the plan.
Now consultants for the MoD have submitted a new proposal that would see an entrance created next to the existing one, with the requirement for a section of wall to be knocked down to accommodate the new road.
The Mount is one of Shrewsbury's most historic streets, and is covered by a conservation area, placing restrictions on what can and cannot be built.
The MoD has been asked to assess the impact of the entrance on both the conservation area, and a nearby property off Barracks Lane – the Grade II listed building at Cadogan House, number 53 The Mount.
To build the access a section of wall next to the current Barracks Lane entrance will need to be knocked down. The land which the road will cross is owned by the MoD.
In its report, consultants Malcolm Payne Group, said the entrance would be similar to others along the road. It states: "The proposed gap in the frontage to The Mount would conform to the rhythm of openings along the frontage associated with existing houses. It is clearly an intervention in an important frontage but a minor one, given that the existing wall is of no architectural merit and that the treatment of the opening could reflect other openings in the street. The existing wall might, for instance be reduced in height to relate to the adjoining wall and be surmounted by a new hedgerow to maintain the character of the green frontages elsewhere."
The report concludes that the change would be "modest" and "the new access would blend into the existing street scene providing the design and landscaping are sensitively handled".
Under the plans the existing lane would be retained as a cycle and pedestrian access.
The report also suggests that the new proposition would have a positive effect on Cadogan House.
It states: "The proposal would substantially improve the setting at the rear of Cadogan House where there would be the possibility of re-creating a landscape forecourt to the proposed new development that would give the sense of openness around the listed building that pre-dated the extension of the barracks."
