Telford care home plans approved

Telford & Wrekin Council's Planning Committee agreed to allow developer Redrow to start work on the land between Arleston Lane and Dawley Road, in Arleston, after amendments were made to plans already given the green light last year.

Councillors pushed for the original proposals to be amended over concerns about the design of the new 18-acre estate on land near Arleston Manor including the number of parking spaces for staff at the care unit and reducing the number of houses from 103 to 92.

The shape of the care home has also been changed from a U shape to H shape.

Despite complaints from ward councillors and nearby residents, the committee agreed to the application.

Councillor Angela McClements, speaking against the development, said: "This planning application has been going on for a long time. There are still concerns that remain the same as they were in 2012.

"It's still a dominant building on the skyline, there's still concerns about traffic congestion along the Lawley Road - and you can imagine five years on that traffic is now worse.

"We recognise that plans have changes to accommodate some of the concerns of resident."

Councillor McClements called for there to be an changes to the section 106 agreements, which would see developers to make financial contributions to the local area, including £248,663 towards primary education through the expansion of Wrekin View School, so that funds could also be allocated to other causes.

Catherine Benson, speaking for the applicant, said: "Redrow Homes have responded to comments from both statutory consultees and members of the public and a number of amendments have been made to for a development that is harmonious and in keeping with its surroundings."

Councillor Peter Scott, on the planning committee, said: "This has been around a long time – it's going to get build in one shape or another. I think this one is pretty well where it ought to be."

In April 2016 councillors deferred a decision on the plans to allow case officers to work with the applicants to improve the design.

Plans for the development was given outline permission, and members of the committee were expected to approve the layout.

But members of the planning committee said they were concerned that there was not enough parking for staff working at the care centre complex, that the design of the extra care facility would struggle to attract potential operators, and that it would dominate the landscape of the Arleston area.