Hundreds oppose motel

Nearly 700 people have signed a petition against controversial plans for a new 40-bedroom motel in north Shropshire, it emerged today.

Three parish councils have also objected to plans for the motel on farmland at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton.

Campaigners say that they are objecting to the bid in the "strongest terms" and have vowed to fight the plans.

The scheme is earmarked for a site near the A41 and A53 roundabout and was first mooted this year when outline plans were tabled.

In all, 679 people have signed the petition, which has been sent to Shropshire Council together with formal letters of objection.

In a statement, organisers of the petition said: "The petition has been signed by 679 people who live and/or work in the Tern Hill and Market Drayton area.

"Their objections are supported by an objection from the Sutton on Tern Parish Council as well as objections from the Moreton Say and Hodnet parish councils."

The twist comes after the council admitted losing some letters of objection sent in earlier in the planning process. It meant a scheduled meeting on the bid had to be postponed so the council could consider people's views before voting on the motel's fate.

Keith Roberts, of Tern Hill, said: "The petition has confirmed that an exceptional number of people object in the strongest terms to the motel planning application and there is a major strength of feeling against this application.

"Significant numbers of local residents, local workers and local councillors do not wish to see this outline application approved on this site.

The signatories regularly use the A41/A53 and are therefore very familiar with the site of the proposed 40-bed motel.

"As such they are all very concerned about the inappropriate nature of this proposed speculative development."

The petition calls on Shropshire Council members to throw out the plans. The planning application has been submitted by Halls in Shrewsbury on behalf of land owner Arthur Bevan, of Market Drayton.

The plans are to be considered by Shropshire Council's north area regulatory committee in Wem next Tuesday.

By Tom Johannsen