Houses likely for pub site

Plans for a multi-million pound care home on the site of one of Telford's last traditional pubs look likely to go ahead, despite fears it would dominate a high street.

The "hotel-style" home, which would create 80 jobs, would replace the Dun Cow, Dawley, which was bulldozed in February.

Critics said it was a tragedy that a pub which had been a focal point of the old town since 1811 should fall victim to the nationwide slump in the licensing trade.

Sport England and local bowling fans complained it would mean the loss of a bowling green attached to the pub.

And residents feared the three-storey, 72-bedroom care home would overlook their properties.

But planning officers from Telford & Wrekin Council say a new design by architects has reduced the potential impact, although it will still be a "dominant feature". They say the applicants, Bond Care 5 Ltd, have agreed to stump up £50,000 to improve leisure facilities in Dawley.

And they add the home would provide a community and economic benefit for one of the original towns around which Telford was created.

"Although difficult to measure, it is likely this development will make a positive contribution to Dawley," they say.

Bond Care's application to build the care home is recommended for approval by the council's plans board on Wednesday.