Plan for 70 homes for Whitchurch is thrown out

Shropshire Council has turned down the scheme to create 72 homes off Liverpool Road in Whitchurch using delegated powers.

The council said it turned down the application because it is not a recognised site for development according to its own Site Allocations and Management of Development plan, which is also known as SAMDev.

The proposal came under fire from residents and councillors amid fears it could lead to increased traffic on a busy road.

Whitchurch Town Council, which was opposed to the application, suggested a new relief road should be considered to ease concerns over traffic.

Shropshire Council also received about 15 letters of from residents who raised concerns about the town having insufficient infrastructure to cope with the development, including schools and health services.

They also raised concerns about the loss of wildlife and the potential risk of flooding on the site.

Mike McDonald, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "Obviously we welcome Shropshire Council's decision to refuse the application.

"We welcome new development but it has to be right for the town and its infrastructure.

"Any development that is not right has implications elsewhere."

The scheme, which was put forward by Persimmon Homes, included creating a mix of two to four-bedroom detached, semi-detached and terraced homes.

A report by Shropshire Council said: "It proposes housing development in an area identified as countryside for planning purposes which does not comply with the restricted development supported in the policies.

"The council is also satisfied that it can now demonstrate an adequate five-year supply of house building land.

"The development of the site is not considered to be sustainable development by reason of the visual impact of the whole of the development."

A statement on behalf of the applicant in support of the application, said the proposal aims to contribute towards the high demand for housing in the local area.

"Persimmon Homes is proposing affordable housing units across the site, which amounts to a 10 per cent provision.

"The site is currently greenland and occasionally used as farmland. The immediate surrounding area is largely developed due to a new residential development adjacent to the site, with some greenland to the west.

"Consultation was also undertaken with the local community," the statement adds.

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