Ellesmere homes development a step nearer

A multi-million pound town centre development in Shropshire has taken a big step forward after developers clinched land deals paving the way for dozens of new houses to be built.

Bloor Homes and McCarthy & Stone have snapped up land on the Ellesmere Wharf development.

News that the project is entering the next phase was today welcomed by civic leaders. Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, said he was delighted to hear developers were now edging closer to building the properties after several years of delays.

He said: "I'm very pleased it's beginning to take shape as we have been looking forward to seeing the wharf finished for several years. These deals are a major step forward and of course the whole town council is looking forward to seeing it get off the ground as soon as possible because it's been springing up piece by piece so it's something we wanted to keep a tight control on."

Land sales to the developers have been confirmed by Pochin Developments, the firm which prepared infrastructure and secured outline planning permission from Shropshire Council for the site.

Bloor Homes, based in Derbyshire, has announced plans to build 36 homes on 2.4 acres of land at the former Dairy Crest creamery site. Meanwhile, McCarthy & Stone, which specialises in retirement apartments, wants to build 47 retirement homes on the 1.2-acre site.

Pochin Developments are due to start the second phase of infrastructure works, including more roads and drainage. This paves the way for McCarthy & Stone and Bloor Homes to start work in the spring.

The development also features a Tesco supermarket and live-work units, a care home, pub, public square, café, restaurant and medical centre.