Traffic hold-up to Oswestry home plans

Previously the government agency called for a traffic assessment from the developer to look at the impact of the proposed new homes on the Strategic Road Network.

The site, south of Middleton Road, is close to the Oswestry bypass which carries not one but two trunk roads - the A5 and the A483.

Highways England has written to Shropshire Council saying a decision on the application should be postponed for three months.

Highways England asset development manager Victoria Lazenby said: “We’ve been working closely with the applicant to ensure that they fully assess and mitigate the impact of their development proposals on the A5/A483.

"We understand that they are currently working on the necessary reviews so that they can complete the preliminary design for the work. We will review these documents and the overall design once we receive them.

"This final aspect of the assessment needs to be completed and agreed by us before we are able to provide a final response to the planning authority.”

Earlier this year the government gave a £9.3 million grant for major work to two roundabouts on the bypass, improvements to the Maesbury Road staggered junction and the building of a new roundabout on the Shrewsbury Road to allow access into a neighbouring site on which permission was sought for around 600 new homes.

Highways England senior project manager, Jessica Kenny, added: “We know that this is a busy route for both holidaymakers and local residents and I’m pleased to say that traffic is now able to use the A483 at Maesbury Road and Mile End roundabout in time for the school summer holidays.

“The work there will help improve traffic flows around these busy junctions, giving motorists safer and smoother journeys for many years to come. I’d like to thank people for their patience while we carried out this important work.”