Shrewsbury relief road: How planning meeting will work, who can speak and for how long

The plan is for a road which would complete the ring road around Shrewsbury, and is being put forward by the council itself.

The planning process to get to the committee has been marked by vocal opposition, with campaigners calling for the project to be dropped on a number of grounds – environmental, financial, and also out of concern for the impact on Shrewsbury's drinking water.

The council has now revealed how the meeting, which will take place in Shirehall's Council Chamber, will work.

Members of the public can attend, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

The authority says that proceedings will be live-screened on YouTube for those unable to attend in person.

The council has also confirmed how the meeting will take place, and who will be able to speak as part of the process in the chamber.

A statement from the authority said: "The chairman will introduce the agenda item and invite the planning officer to outline the case.

"Public speakers will be invited to speak at a fixed microphone, or their submission will be read out at the meeting by the council’s solicitor.

"Taking account of the usual rules for public speakers and the public interest in this matter, the chair of the committee has decided to exercise his discretion to allow additional speakers for this application."

There will be five objectors allowed three minutes each to speak, and five supporters also allowed three minutes each to address the committee.

Three speakers representing interest groups will also be permitted, with each speaker again granted three minutes each.

Bicton Parish Council, Bomere Heath Parish Council, and Shrewsbury Town Council will also all be given three minutes to set out their views on the plan.

Six councillors, from the Tern, Bowbrook, Copthorne, Quarry and Coton Hill, Bagley, and Harlescott wards, will be allowed to speak – with each granted five minutes.

The applicant will be granted ten minutes to respond – with the time able to be split between representatives.

The council has also made its position clear on what will happen regarding requests to speak.

It said: "If there are more speaking requests than places, those wishing to speak will need to agree amongst themselves who will speak – otherwise speakers will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. The other rules about public speaking will apply.

"Nobody shall speak more than once, or for more than their allowed time. There will be a clock to advise speakers how long they have left. Speakers may make oral comments only. They may, within their allowed minutes, ask up to two questions. Additionally, with their agreement, they may be asked questions by the committee."

People wishing to speak must register by 5pm on Thursday, October 26.

The council has said that if people wish for their submission to be read on their behalf it must e-mailed by midday on Monday, October 30.

The written submissions from public speakers and parish councils must be limited to 550 words, and 900 words for local councillors.

The council has also warned speakers of the potential for their words to land them in legal trouble.

It stated: "Please remember there are laws against defamation. If you say something in public about a person that isn't true, you risk legal action being taken against you. When addressing the committee your comments should stick to the facts and any opinion you may have concerning them. "