New Dana application on the way

The Castlefields prison, which has been operating as a tourist attraction, has faced an uncertain future after Shropshire Council turned down plans to renovate the site over concerns about a lack of parking and "over development".

Now one of the prison's owners, Trevor Osborne, has revealed that architects are working on a revised planning application for the site in a bid to secure planning permission at the second time of asking.

Mr Osborne said: "I had a good meeting with the council officers and also with the chairman of Shrewsbury Town Council last week.

"Everyone is looking for a solution and I am hoping we will put together a revised application to be submitted shortly."

Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council and representative of Castlefields and Ditherington on Shropshire Council, said he welcomed the news.

The Labour councillor had led the opposition to the original plans, which were rejected in December, with residents who attended the planning meeting cheering as the committee unanimously voted them down.

Councillor Mosley said: "I met with Trevor Osborne last week where he explained some important changes from his original rejected planning application.

"I expect he will bring those forward for discussion among the local community in the not too distant future.

"I believe that his latest ideas show some promise towards the development of the site which the majority wish to see and which protects the interests of local residents and the wider community."

No details have been revealed of changes to be included in the forthcoming application but to address the concerns of the planning committee they would almost certainly need to address the parking situation in Castlefields.

The plans to refurbish the prison were originally deferred by Shropshire Council before being rejected in December.

That decision was welcomed by Councillor Mosley, who at the time said: "There was great uncertainty about what would eventually be sited there and members were fearful about the significant damage that might have occurred to an active and vibrant community in Castlefields.

"However, I and residents appreciate that this is an important site with high heritage value that needs to be developed but it must be done in ways that is compatible with the neighbourhood and sensitive to their needs. This proposal clearly did not do that and the refusal is made even more strong by the fact it was unanimous."

The proposal had been to create student and residential accommodation, shops, restaurants, 'Shrewsbury's Walled Garden", and a gym.