Bowlers bid to build 30 homes on green

A bowling club in Telford today unveiled plans to demolish its clubhouse to make way for 30 homes on the site. Club officials hope the scheme will safeguard its future.

Maddocks Sports and Social Club in Oakengates has applied for permission to replace the clubhouse and outbuildings with a new clubhouse, bowling green, parking and to build a mix of homes and apartments.

The plans will go before Telford & Wrekin planners next Wednesday.

A report to Telford & Wrekin plans board said: "The fabric of the existing building is unsatisfactory and unsustainable and due to club finances may cease to exist within the next year or so.

"The existing two bowling greens are not fully utilised and do not have the required irrigation.

"The one green is not used often as the levels are not ideal.

"The only solution to the long term retention of the established community and sports facility at Maddocks is the generation of income for replacement of the existing facilities by a purpose designed building constructed to modern standards.

"The most effective way that the club to create income for the new club development is by the sale of the excess land for residential development."

There would be 18 two and three bedroom houses and 12 two bedroom apartments.

The development would also see a new access road which would be built off Church Street.

Oakengates Town Council has objected to the plans, although it agrees with the principle of developing the site.

Councillors had concerns about the loss of light and privacy for nearby homes, problems with flooding and water run off.

They were also worried about the risk of increased traffic congestion on the Holyhead Road, particularly since the former Pear Tree Inn, which is opposite the site, has been redeveloped into an apartment complex.

Twelve neighbouring residents have also objected to the scheme.

Borough council planners have been recommended to give their approval the plans, on condition that at least 38 per cent of the homes built there are deemed 'affordable'.