Anger as town flats scheme is approved

A controversial scheme to transform a Grade II listed historic building in Whitchurch into flats and shops has been given the go-ahead - angering campaigners who say a part of the town's history has been lost forever.

The United Reformed Church in Dodington will be turned into four apartments and a shopping complex after a government inspector upheld an appeal by Tower Developments, the firm behind the scheme.

The developers had challenged a decision by the former North Shropshire District Council, which threw out the plans last year.

Despite a claim by the planning inspector that the decision would "breathe much-needed life" into the building, which has lain empty since 2003, the move has angered heritage campaigners who claim an important piece of the town's history could be lost forever.

Paul Wynn, who sits on Shropshire Council's north planning committee, said today: "People are really upset and I was very strongly against it.

"I was not happy at all with the decision and I feel Whitchurch has lost part of its heritage.

"The system needs looking at because developers can get our decisions overturned too easily."

The work will involve putting in a removable raised floor above the church pews and the creation of a car parking area.