Telford family's five homes plan withdrawn after concerns raised

A family's plans to build five homes on part of Telford's green corridor has been withdrawn after concerns were raised.

Mrs Bahia had applied for planning permission for the houses, one of which would be for her, and the others would be one each for four children.

More than 20 objections were made to the plans which proposed the removal of 35 out of the 75 trees on the site.

Ecology officers at Telford & Wrekin Council lodged their concerns, as did borough heritage conservation, and drainage officials.

Wrockwardine Parish Council objected as did borough councillor Kim Tonks and several residents. Councillor Tonks (Liberal Democrats, Admaston and Bratton) had called the application in,

Fiona Dean, chair of the Friends of Dothill & Shawbirch Local Nature Reserve told planners that any loss of habitat would "seriously impact the variety in the local gene pool."

Mrs Dean wrote: "The area in question is an important green corridor; there is much evidence of the biodiversity of bird species, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

"Any loss of habitat caused by building in that corridor will seriously impact the variety in the local gene pool. I therefore object to the proposed development."

Planning agent MTC Planning and Design Limited had told planners that the site, off Shawbirch Road, Admaston, is in the ‘Green Corridor’ but it can only visibly contribute through its landscaping as the public have no access.

“It was noted that Shawbirch medical practice had recently been constructed on a sizable area of the Green Network where the design did not attempt to soften the loss of that green space,” the agent added.

The agent stated that only seven of 35 trees earmarked for removal are expected to have a life span of 20 years or more and only two of them are classified at a higher quality.

It would create a range of high quality properties with sufficient parking generous amenity spaces. It would not create overlooking issues.

Documents on the council's planning portal reveal discussions between the agent and officials before the proposal was withdrawn.

Extra information had been received by the council but there was not the time to consider the details.

An official wrote of "fundamental concerns" with the scheme.

It had been heading for a refusal of permission on both drainage and ecology grounds. Highways officers also raised their concerns.

Officials also noted that the planners did not consider that the loss of the designated area of Green Network had been justified.

The agent was given the option of withdrawing the proposals or it would be recommended for refusal.

The agent confirmed that the matter had been discussed with the applicant and "we would like to withdraw the submission."

Withdrawal of the planning application was confirmed by the council on Tuesday September 1.