North Shropshire marina plan turned down

Controversial plans for a multi-million pound marina on the canal in north Shropshire have been turned down by council chiefs following a petition from more than 200 objectors.

Proposals put forward by Moore Marine Ltd to build the marina for 200 canal boats on the Shropshire Union Canal at Park Heath Farm, Soudley, near Market Drayton, caused concerns over the impact on neighbouring properties and wildlife.

The scheme was also met with nearly 100 letters of objections from residents and parish councilors.

Concerns were raised over its location, the lack of facilities nearby, visual impact and insufficient road network to cope with the extra traffic.

Members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee yesterday unanimously turned down outline plans for the scheme which were recommended for refusal by planning officers.

At the meeting in Wem, Elizabeth Phillips, speaking on behalf of residents, said the marina would not be sustainable in a rural location.

"Residents have four main points of concern over the scheme, including the impacts it would have on road and transport, impacts on great crested newts present in the area, the visual and physical impact on surrounding properties, and misleading claims that the scheme would create local jobs," she said.

Councillor Steve Davenport, member of the north planning committee, said: "I have no objections to creating marinas in Shropshire, but just think this one is in the wrong place."