Bishop's Castle councillors object to eco-homes plan

Four new homes planned to kickstart a multi-million eco-village in south Shropshire would be "domineering" and "obtrusive" on neighbouring properties, councillors claimed.

Bishop's Castle Town Castle last night voted to object to a bid for four homes planned at the Wintles eco-estate, due to fears they would be too obtrusive.

Town clerk Diane Malley said: "These are three or four-storey houses and they are very domineering for the neighbouring houses.

"Councillors felt they would be too intrusive and two of the homes in particular are very close to the back boundary of nearby houses."

There are already 20 homes at the development, which has been repeatedly delayed due to planning issues and Living Villages, which initially launched the scheme, going bust in 2008.

London-based developers Fairmist Homes is now working with social housing landlord Bromford Housing Group to complete the 40-home estate.

Town councillors also voted to call on Shropshire Council to block a renewed bid to build 12 controversial homes in Bishop Castle's High Street.

Ron and Jill Davies were granted permission in 2008 for the development, which includes six low-cost homes, but have been forced to re-apply as the old permission has expired.

Mrs Malley said: "Councillors wanted to make an objection to this application on the same grounds as previously because the application is divided between two sites which is unusual and also due to overdevelopment in Station Street and in Castle Green."

Members were also concerned about problems with access, drains, increased traffic and intrusion on neighbouring homes.