Massive town plan is unveiled

HUNDREDS OF homes, a giant foodstore and other shops, play areas and a purpose-built school are part of multi-million pound plans unveiled today to transform an area of Telford.

Council bosses today took the wraps off the 3,500-page masterplan for Dawley, which is expected to create scores of jobs.

Development will take place on a 35-hectare former coal mine site.

The centrepiece of the scheme will be the £20 million Dawley Sports & Learning Community, built at Paddock Mount to replace the existing Phoenix School.

There are also plans for 342 homes, a 1,500 square metre foodstore and three smaller retail units.

Plans have also been drawn up for a nature park, BMX track and other play areas.

Borough and parish councillors have long complained about the lack of investment in Dawley and today welcomed the submission of the plans.

Councillor Vic Tonks, local ward member for Dawley on Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "This should massively improve the whole area of Dawley and I feel that the new development will be of great benefit to all residents in the area and to all of the businesses."

A planning application has been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council, which will be debated by the authority's plans board this year.

Work started in January on clearing the site for the new school by felling trees and clearing land.

The scheme is being funded by Telford & Wrekin Council's Borough Towns Initiative.

Councillor Clive Mollett, assistant cabinet member for children and young people at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "This marks an exciting phase in the regeneration of this important key borough town."