300 homes set to be built in Telford

More than 300 homes look set to be built in Telford after planning officers recommended giving the go-ahead to two separate developments. But both schemes have been scaled down.

Redrow Homes had originally wanted to build more than 350 homes on the Capewell Works site, Trench Lock, which has been derelict since 2005 when car component firm Hutchinson UK announced it was closing and 130 jobs would go.

But the developer has been forced to scale back the amount of homes it wants to build to 232 to make sure residents are protected from noise coming from the A442 Queensway.

An application for reserved matters seeking approval for the layout, scale and appearance of the homes is being recommended for approval by planning officers.

Oakengates Town Council has lodged an objection because of the lack of community facilities such as shops and pubs to service the people who would live there. But a report says: "On balance this is an acceptable scheme and should be supported."

Meanwhile officers are also recommending approval to reduce the number of homes to go up in Leegomery.

English Partnerships originally indicated between 180 to 200 properties could be built just off Peregrine Way.

But following talks with residents and other interested parties, the revised application now seeks permission for a maximum of 100 homes.