Church Stretton green space site targeted again in plans for 75 new homes
Plans have been revealed to build up to 75 new homes on a site that was once the focus of a community campaign to "save" it from development.
Housing developer Northern Trust has revealed its ambitions to build up to 75 new homes on the southern edge of Church Stretton.
The developer has launched an early-stage online consultation ahead of submitting a planning application to Shropshire Council.
If the scheme goes ahead, the development would be at Snatchfield Farm, between existing homes on Chelmick Drive, The Bridleways and Hazler Orchard, with open countryside to the south.
It's a plot of land that the upcoming Church Stretton Neighbourhood Plan has listed as a designated 'Local Green Space' - which national policy states has similar protection to green belts.
The proposal comes six years after a campaign was launched to "save" Snatchfield from development, when it was identified by Shropshire Council as a 'Preferred Site' for residential development.
Campaign group "Save Snatchfield" was launched in 2019, with a JustGiving fundraising page raising more than £5,000 to "stop" development of the site.
Documents submitted to Shropshire Council in 2021 revealed that the site was "unexpectedly" removed from the draft Local Plan.
But that plan was effectively scrapped earlier this year after planning inspectors asked the council to withdraw it over major concerns.
It means the authority has been searching for potential development sites to address housing shortfalls - a void Northern Trust will no doubt be hoping to fill in Church Stretton.
The new, preliminary plans state the mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes would be "arranged in small clusters along short streets and cul-de-sacs, designed to feel part of the village".
Access to the new homes would be provided from Chelmick Drive, following the demolition of an existing bungalow under the landowners’ control.
The developer also claims the design includes safe routes for walking and cycling, connecting with nearby streets and footpaths, including retention of the existing public bridleway "so residents can reach local schools, shops, the railway station and surrounding countryside easily".
David Jones for Northern Trust said: “This is an early-stage consultation to listen to local views before finalising any proposals. We want to ensure any development at Snatchfield Farm responds sensitively to the local setting and helps meet identified housing needs in the area.
“People know their local area best, so we’re asking them to share thoughts now – whether it’s ideas, questions or concerns – to help shape what happens next.”
The consultation is open until Friday, November 7 and is available online at shareyouropinion.net/snatchfield.
Comments are also welcome via the consultation email address [email protected].
- You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk.
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