Oswestry apartment complex is given go-ahead despite concerns
A four-storey social housing development has been given the go ahead – despite worries over its height.
Wrekin Housing Trust's plans to build a 53-apartment complex and eight bungalows on the the former Oswestry Borough Council depot in Alexandra Road were approved by Shropshire Council's north planning committee.
It comes after members were told that deferring a decision could see the trust lose a £2 million Government grant for the project. Paul Wiseman, a spokesman for the residents, said the trust was attempting to put a proverbial quart into a pint pot.
"We have no objection to this development for social housing, we are objecting to the four-storey block of flats which is totally out of character," he said.
"We are concerned about access along roads that have an enormous problem with on-street parking and also with the amount of car parking, just 28 spaces for potentially 120 people."
Councillor Vince Hunt, who represents Oswestry West, said extra care housing – which enables older people to live in their own homes but with support nearby – was athe right use for the site and would invigorate the area but only if it was a smaller development.
Heather Sutton, for the architects representing Wrekin Housing Trust, said the development would be sunk into the landscape so that it would not be overpowering.
"There will be much less traffic than when this site was a council depot," she said.
Councillors considered deferring the application to negotiate on details but voted instead to give officers delegated powers after hearing this could lose the development the grant and put it in jeopardy.
