Fears housing could pollute water near Shropshire bottling plant - putting 45 jobs at risk

The Environment Agency and Princes food and drink group, which operates the mineral water bottling plant in Church Stretton, have claimed building 47 homes would cause huge damage to the area.

It is claimed if the water source is contaminated the bottling plant would have to close – putting up to 45 jobs at risk.

But the applicants say the homes earmarked for playing fields used by Church Stretton School would be a major development for the town that will include a coach park and new sports facilities.

The water is collected from bore holes at the base of the Long Mynd before being bottled in the factory in Shrewsbury Road.

A Princes spokesman said: "Princes Church Stretton has been bottling water for almost 130 years and the natural mineral water source catchment area has been a designated area of outstanding natural beauty for more than 50 years.

"The site currently employs 45 people and spends over £2 million in the local community each year.

"Princes has objected to this planning application on the basis that it currently represents a risk of contamination to the natural mineral water sources."

Workers at the plant have also lodged their objections to the development.

Bottling plant employee Tim Powell said: "I lived and worked Church Stretton all of my life and, the last 20 years at the water bottling plant. The proposed building of 47 houses on this site will seriously jeopardise the on-going production at the plant."

When questioned as to the future of the site if the planning application is granted, the Princes spokesman added: "It would be inappropriate to speculate. However, we can confirm that we are committed to our Church Stretton site and to meeting our customer's needs."

But residents are split over the plans with 49 currently objecting but 42 supporting the plans. Many want the houses to go ahead as new sports facilities at Church Stretton School depend upon it.