Two plans for homes near Oswestry recommended for approval - despite dozens of objections

Two proposals to build houses in the same village in north Shropshire are being recommended for approval - despite dozens of people objecting.

Shropshire Council's Northern Planning Committee will consider the respective applications in West Felton, near Oswestry, next Tuesday (September 22).

A total of 85 people have objected to Shingler Homes' outline proposal for around 42 properties on land west of Alma Close.

The plan that the developer has submitted shows a direct access from the existing stub road on Alma Close, alongside estate roads, public open space and drainage attenuation areas.

However, Whittington Councillor David Walker, who is the portfolio holder for planning, said he has "grave concerns" about the proposal and the wider implications it poses, if passed.

He has therefore called in the application for it to be determined by the planning committee. This, Councillor Walker said, is on the basis of the harm to the setting of heritage assets and the conservation area, the wider historical context of the village, highways safety at the Queens Head junction, flooding on Fox Lane, sustainability and access to services, and the cumulative impact of development on the historic character of the village.

West Felton Parish Council has also strongly objected.

However, several technical consultees have not raised any objections, as long as conditions are agreed. This includes highways, drainage, and ecology.

Shropshire Council's conservation team also believe "less than substantial harm" would be caused to the West Felton Conservation Area.

"Although adverse effects have been identified, they are not considered to substantially outweigh the benefits of granting permission," said planning officer, Mark Perry.

"The applicant has adequately addressed the principle of development and the proposed means of access, which are the matters being considered at this outline stage. Sufficient information has also been provided ondrainage, heritage, ecology and arboricultural matters to demonstrate that the site is capable of accommodating residential development."

Mr Perry is also recommending that another application in West Felton - this time for 10 houses - is also approved.

The scheme includes a new access, roadside footway and widening of the existing lane known as Old Rectory Gardens.

Mr Perry said the development will meet the unmet housing need and "to be physically well-related to an existing settlement."

"Although the proposal would give rise to the adverse effects, these are not considered to substantially outweigh the benefits of granting permission," he said.

"The applicant has satisfactorily addressed matters relating to the scale and design of the dwellings, their effect on heritage assets and the character and appearance of the area, drainage, highway mitigation and pedestrian connectivity."

No objections have been raised by the highways, ecology and drainage teams, or Severn Trent Water. However, while conservation officers say that, while the revised submission of the house designs is welcomed, there are concerns about the excessive scale and heigh of several of the properties.

However, the parish council has objected, as have 49 members of the public.

Concerns raised include the heritage and conservation area impact, highway safety and traffic, infrastructure capacity, drainage, flooding and sewerage, sustainability and scale of growth, ecology, landscape and open space, and residential amenity and design.

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