Revived Telford homes plan faces thumbs-down

The plans for 78 homes just off Muxton Lane in Muxton have been recommended for refusal by planning officers at Telford & Wrekin Council when they go to committee tomorrow night.

The application was submitted by Cheshire-based Gladman Developments and was originally for 110 homes, but those plans were thrown out in December 2014 by the committee.

The developer resubmitted the plans, but in his report to the committee council planning officer Daniel Owen said the development would result in an "undesirable encroachment" on nearby countryside.

And today Phil Loughlin, of the Protect Muxton group, said the houses are "not needed" now the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan for future development has been published.

He said: "The group has reviewed the council's five-year plans and we were pleased to see the plans for development on brownfield sites.

"We felt that the plan for 78 homes on a greenfield site is no longer needed.

"The developer has already had plans for 110 homes rejected and this one could go the same way. The council has been very good at listening to our concerns, and it does not surprise me the plans have been recommended for refusal."

In his report Mr Owen said: "The development of this site on Muxton Lane would result in an undesirable encroachment into the surrounding countryside.

"It is also located in along a quiet rural lane without direct access to public transport, and would result in an undesirable form of development.

"The applicant has also failed to properly consider the constraints of the site, and insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the site can accommodate 78 homes without making it a cramped environment."