Shrewsbury Flax Mill hopes hang on bus depot verdict

The relocation of Shrewsbury's bus depot, pivotal to £30 million hopes to redevelop the town's historic Flax Mill, could move a step closer next week if fresh plans get the go-ahead.

Arriva, which keeps its buses in a building fronting the 18th century Mill in Ditherington, needs to move to facilitate building work that could see the site transformed into homes, shops, offices and a canal marina.

The firm has applied to reduce the size of its proposed new depot at Harlescott Park and Ride in Battlefield Road and councillors will make a decision on Thursday.

The amended plans by Arriva also include a relocation of the proposed bus wash, steam clean and fuel and oil tanks at the site. It features 71 bus parking bays and 38 car parking bays including two disabled ones.

Bosses say the new depot will be next to the Tesco Extra car park and Park and Ride with access from Battlefield Road and bus access from Harlescott Lane.

A report to members of Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee, says: "The proposed building is the same design and appearance as previously approved but is reduced in length as two maintenance bays have been omitted.

"The proposal as amended is a pitched roof rectangular building to be constructed with a brickwork plinth with the external walls above and the roof clad in CA Building Products Twin Wall system.

"The principle of the development has already been established by the previous permission, a safe means of access to the site already exists and the increased traffic will have no adverse highway implications.

"The scale and design of the proposed building is acceptable and will have no adverse impact on the character and appearance of the locality."

Last month Gordon Frost, area business manager for Arriva in Shropshire, said the new bus depot could be open by Easter next year.

It will replace the company's current base in Ditherington, which will eventually be bulldozed as part of the Flax Mill redevelopment.

Mr Frost said buses would be able to be driven in and not have to be reversed in off a main road as they have to at present.

By Russell Roberts