Whitchurch Town Council objects to major housing scheme - find out why

Whitchurch Town Council has objected to plans for a major housing development.

Mattel Trustees Limited has submitted an outline planning application for the scheme on land off a lane north of Edgeley Road, near Whitchurch Rugby Club.

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According to a design and access statement by Michael Lloyd of Berrys, the proposed scheme would deliver up to 62 homes.

The mix includes 18 two-bedroom properties, 20 three-bedroom homes, 20 four-bedroom houses and four five-bedroom dwellings.

Mr Lloyd said the layout has been shaped by environmental considerations, particularly the need to create a protected habitat buffer around a brook running through the site. This zone will be fenced off and enhanced with native hedgerow planting to help offset biodiversity impacts.

He explained that the buffer area also falls within a flood zone, offering an opportunity for additional tree and shrub planting. Public open space will wrap around this central habitat, and two attenuation ponds are planned due to poor ground infiltration in parts of the site.

The development will include a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes. Existing mature planting around the site boundary will largely be retained to provide screening, along with ecological and visual benefits.

Some vegetation along the Edgeley Road frontage will be removed to allow for new access points. However, new native hedgerows are planned to soften the visual impact of the development.

The main part of the site to the north will be accessed via a new looped road, designed to accommodate larger vehicles such as refuse lorries without the need for a turning head.

Homes south of the brook will be served by two smaller access points from Edgeley Road, including one private road. A small bridge will be built to connect both sides of the site, designed to maintain water flow and minimise environmental impact.

Mr Lloyd added that pedestrian and cycle connections have been carefully considered. In addition to pavements, new pathways will link through the site and connect to the nearby Hatton Way public footpath and cycleway, improving access to local shops, community facilities and the train station to the north.

However, the scheme has already attracted 34 objections on Shropshire Council’s planning portal, with no members of the public in support.

And now Whitchurch Town Council has joined the list of objectors after considering the application at a meeting on Wednesday (April 22).

Councillor Andy Hall, who represents Whitchurch North on Shropshire Council, said flooding is already an issue on Edgeley Road and access is very poor.

He also pointed out that two cars had been written off, and the proposed development would add additional traffic.

“It is absolutely inappropriate and is another example how greedy developers are trying to build houses anywhere,” said Councillor Hall.

“We’ve got to protect our spaces in Whitchurch. It is also an habitat for some very needed wildlife. There are more appropriate sites for housing.”

The consultation period for the application (reference 26/00842/OUT) expires on May 13.

You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/shropshire-star