Final phase of major Telford housing development gets go ahead
The final phase of a major housing development has been given the official go-ahead, moving it a step closer to completion.
Plans for phase four of the Telford Millennium Community houses, being built in Ketley, have been on the cards for a number of years but have this week been granted full permission.
The scheme will see 52 apartments and 14 houses built as part of the 85-home project, which has been underway for more than a decade.
Telford & Wrekin Council officer Gareth Thomas granted permission to the latest plans, which were put forward back in 2014 but since amended.
He said the first phase of the large development has already been completed and is widely recognised as "high quality development".
He said: "Visual interest is created through a limited number of architectural typologies and there is consistency in treatment of the different buildings in terms of massing and design. This has made Ketley Village a distinct and unique place."
The second phase of the development is currently near completion, while these plans will expand the site even further.
The development will see three separate blocks created, made up of the 52 apartments with the 14 houses close by.
Mr Thomas said that the scheme has been developed to be "truly sustainable" and the whole site includes a number of energy reduction and ecological enhancement options.
He said: "The development has been slow to progress and the viability of the remaining part of the scheme has been a factor, which has influenced both a design re-think and the commercial viability re-assessed.
"From a design point of view, officers have sought to maintain the vernacular qualities that have so influenced Telford Millennium Community and that have achieved a brand that is well regarded. Solar orientation has been an important driver with layout and architectural and landscaping design features maximising solar gain."
The plans were backed by Telford & Wrekin's planning committee back in 2015, however they have only just been given the official sign-off.
Mr Thomas added: "The development forms part of the TMC development area that was masterplanned to provide for significant development opportunity.
"Furthermore, the development will provide decent affordable housing with a mix of type and size to meet local needs.
"In summary officers consider that the proposal respects and responds positively to the context through high quality design, with an integrated design which respects the landscape setting and topography, reinforces the existing street pattern and produces an safe and secure environment."
