Minsterley business and homes plan approved after inquiry

Plans to create 12 business units and 13 homes at a former Shropshire bus depot have been approved following a public inquiry.

Bovale Ltd appealed after Shropshire Council refused its application for development at The White House in Station Road, Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, and the neighbouring former bus depot because of noise issues and loss of employment land.

But an inspector has ruled, following a two-day inquiry in July, that the scheme can go ahead.

But inspector Philip Ware refused an application for costs the firm had tried to get back from the council.

Noise levels at the Uniq Prepared Foods factory, next to the appeal site, were at the heart of discussions during the inquiry, held at Shrewsbury Town's stadium.

Levels of noise from steam pressure valves, loading bays, industrial fans and large vehicles were debated and a site visit was made by Mr Ware.

Christopher Young, representing Bovale, told the inquiry a consultant had been empl- oyed by his client to carry out a 24-hour no- ise survey, which provided "superior and more preferable" information than the co- uncil's two-hour survey. He added it was not a viable business plan without the housing.

Jack Smyth, for Shropshire Council, said the combined impact of factory noise and traffic on the nearby A488 would result in a "regular and varied cacophony of noise".

But Mr Ware said he believed the plans were suitable for approval, subject to conditions. His report says: "I have considered the conditions which were discussed at the inquiry and which were broadly agreed.

"In view of the outline nature of the scheme it is necessary for various details to be submitted for approval.

"In the interests of the appearance of the development and the living conditions of future residents, floodlighting and external lighting and external lighting of the business units should be controlled."

Mr Ware has also included conditions to prevent noise issues such as insulation of the homes, an acoustic fence between three to six metres high and the timing of the construction work on an office building.

He also concluded that the council had not demonstrated unreasonable behaviour and had not caused unnecessary expense for Bovale, meaning a claim for costs was not justified.