Roman remains could scupper Craven Arms development

A Roman encampment could prevent a site to the north of Craven Arms being developed for employment land in future years, it has been claimed.

The former training camp which lies to the north of Long Lane would be likely to be declared a site of archaeological interest if any attempt is made to create business units on the area, according to Shropshire Council policy officer Liam Cowden.

Mr Cowden made the claim at last night's meeting of Craven Arms Town Council in a presentation on development in the town until 2026.

So far 70 out of 500 homes earmarked have been built in the town since 2006 with a further 110 in the pipeline. And Mr Cowden said as well as finding new sites for 320 more homes the search was also underway to find up to six hectares of land in the town for new businesses.

He added Shirehall chiefs would work to improve the town's image across the West Midlands after claiming Craven Arms was perhaps too far from the motorway network to attract new businesses.

The meeting also heard the town's abattoir site would almost certainly not be used for new homes due to a potential risk of flooding.

And Mr Cowden also suggested development could be made to the east of the town on Corvedale Road.

Town councillors have been given copies of a questionnaire and a document outlining the future of the town to consider.

Mr Cowden said: "I am looking for sites to build up to 320 homes and for six hectares of land.

"I am looking north of Long Lane including Newington Farm but the Craven Arms area has lots of areas of archaeological interest.

"There is a Roman encampment there which has not been designated but I'm sure would be of interest to enthusiasts, and it does complicate matters.

"We are aware that there is land available at Long Lane not being used by businesses and we are looking to develop a system where such land is used. Maybe Craven Arms is too far away from the motorway network to attract certain businesses."

By Peter Kitchen