Developer defends plan for Baschurch shop

Developers today defended plans to create a new convenience store in Baschurch despite a petition signed by more than 750 people against the scheme.

The proposal includes creating a new Spar shop near Newtown Garage in the centre of the village.

Many villagers said they believe a new shop could spark rising anti-social behaviour, noise and traffic problems.

Opponents also fear it could sound a death-knell for existing businesses like the village shop, farm shop, hardware store, post office and pubs. But today applicants Lancroft Developments defended the plans and have responded to people's concerns.

In a report on behalf of the applicant, it said: "We do not believe that the development of a neighbourhood convenience store will have any detrimental effect on the behaviour of the residents or visitors to Baschurch.

"The operator of the store is a responsible trader and under-age sales will simply not happen. The construction programme of a project such as this will be a period of 16 weeks and disruption to any neighbouring properties will be minimal.

"It has been suggested that the operator has a policy of not hiring local staff. This is categorically untrue. The policy is to hire staff locally wherever possible."

At a heated meeting in Baschurch Village Hall last month about 100 villagers had their say on the proposal.

Councillors objected to the plans by a single vote. The application will now be decided by Shropshire Council's north planning committee.