'We have the chance to be on the right side of history' – Campaigners vow to fight plans lodged for 800 homes on green belt

Boningale Homes announced in March that they planned to build a new development in Albrighton near Shifnal.

The plans between Newhouse Lane and Cross Road will include not just 800 homes but also a new secondary school and a care home, but the proposals are predominately on green belt.

The developer has said the plans, which were submitted to Shropshire Council this week, would create more than 1,000 jobs and add £62 million into the local economy, as well as helping Shropshire and the Black Country meet their housing needs.

The planning application submitted to the council contains 80 documents, and outlines the mixed-use development comprising up to 800 dwellings, a care home of up to 80 units, a secondary school for up to 750 students and local centre with associated access, infrastructure, landscaping and drainage, as well as as access.

A spokesperson for the developer told the Shropshire Star: “This submitted proposal is an important step towards helping deliver much-needed high quality housing across Shropshire and the Black Country.

“We are a developer with strong local links and our Millfields development in Albrighton has been really well received as it enters its third phase.

“We have carried out an extensive public consultation process on this new site and have listened to all views.

“We are clear and confident that this is a very positive scheme for Albrighton which delivers key community facilities, as well as new homes.

“The housing development would come with a host of benefits to the local community, from a minor injuries unit, pharmacy and GP surgery to a secondary school for up to 750 pupils and a supermarket.

“There would be a clear economic benefit too, with the overall impact of the development delivering 1,200 jobs and bringing a £60 million boost to the Shropshire and local economy.”

However, Albrighton Village Action Group, which was set up after the plans were revealed earlier this year, has vowed to continue to fight the development and is arranging drop-in sessions to explain to people how to object to the planning application.

The group had garnered more than 3,300 signatures on a petition opposing the development and is raising 20k to fund professional and legal expertise to fight the plans. They also have the backing of newly re-elected MP Mark Pritchard.

Claire Lakin from the group said: “The campaign to protect our green belt really starts now and we are urging people who are opposed to Boningale Homes’ plans to strongly object – this is one of the best ways for us to win.

“To make things as easy as possible, AVAG has created two video guides o n our website albrightongreenbelt.co.uk on how to register an objection and compiled nearly 40 key reasons why the over-development should not take place and how it will change our village forever.

“We are also hosting eight drop-in sessions at the Red House, Melville Club and Scout Den, where our volunteers will be available in person to help villagers go through the objection process. The first one took place last night and was really well attended."

She added: "Now is the time to translate this strong feeling into an official objection and donate to our fundraising campaign to help cover the fees of legal and planning specialists we are using to help fight these proposals. We have the chance to be on the right side of history and protect our village for generations to come.”

The planning application for the proposed development in Albrighton can be viewed at Shropshire Council's website.

People have until July 29 to submit their views on the proposals. Shropshire Council's planning committee are set to decide on the application later in the year.