Oswestry hill fort campaigners in pledge to fight on
Campaigners trying to stop housing going up in the shadow of an Iron Age hill fort say they will continue to fight the plans despite the area being officially earmarked for development.
Protesters say they are looking at how they can legally overturn Shropshire Council's decision to include a piece of land close to the hill fort in the SAMdev planning blueprint.
They say they fear that it could be the start of creeping development that could eventually surround the ancient monument.
Shropshire Council approved its 10-year development plan on Thursday which includes a site off the Whittington Road in Oswestry, now zoned for more than 100 houses.
The Hands Off Old Oswestry Hillfort Group, which has supporters including eminent historians from across Britain, says it is extremely disappointed.
Spokeswoman Kate Clarke said: "Needless to say, the public and the heritage world is outraged, and the fight continues.
"Shropshire planner Dave Wallace referred to the development having a 'soft edge' at the inspector-led inquiry, which makes us fear creeping development gradually devouring old Oswestry's eastern landscape.
"We are investigating the legal channels we could use to challenge this decision.
"We also, of course, have the planning application stage where we shall be putting up a strong fight against the development."
Another campaigner, John Waine, said: "I am disappointed, but then the council never looked like it was in a hurry to follow the newly-elected leader's call for a new era of openness and transparency.
"It was, sadly, business as usual.
"We are certainly not down-hearted and will continue to fight the proposal at every stage with everything we've got.
"We have got huge support locally, professionally, academically and legally – so this is but the beginning of a new battle."
Before the meeting on Thursday, campaigners wrote to the new council leader, Malcolm Pate, asking him to urge members to rethink and remove the allocation.
"There can be no more timely or symbolic a move in demonstrating that a change in culture is truly meant at Shropshire Council and to mark your legacy as leader," the letter said.
"We should be cherishing, protecting and celebrating the hill fort and it is patently obvious to our international observers.
"They have been very vocal that housing will spoil its appeal and detract from reasons to visit."
