Concern for The Mere sparks protest over homes

Controversial plans to build 22 homes near The Mere in Ellesmere would 'encroach on natural beauty', councillors have said.

The proposals, for land between Swan Hill and the cemetery as part of Shropshire Council's planning policy, have sparked a petition signed by more than 2,000 people.

A special meeting of Ellesmere Town Council held in the Town Hall this week was attended by 50 residents. During the meeting only four councillors were able to vote on the proposals.

Councillors Lynn Davies, Peter Lorenzo, John Frost and Ken Drury had to leave the room after declaring bias, prejudice or a personal interest.

Councillor Ian Ward said: "I believe the area is very important visually, in terms of ecology and for tourism.

"There are sites elsewhere, so 22 houses is not a good exchange for losing this valuable piece of land. It should be a conservation area."

Councillor Geoff Elner said: "We have something unique, why would we want to gravel it?

"The people that live here have participated, we should up uphold your views.

"It should be preserved as a place of natural beauty."

At the meeting Councillor Ward also suggested that the development boundary should be moved further away from the Mere because it would be 'undesirable' to see 'encroaching' development.

The council will send its recommendations to Shropshire Council, which will make the final decision.

Shropshire Council has identified a need for 800 homes in the town before 2026, about 480 of them have planning permission or have already been built.

This week councillors also agreed to exclude proposals for 82 homes off Grange Road because of fears of flooding. Instead it was decided that land off Scotland Street, behind the Lakelands school, and land at the end of Cherry Drive should be added to the preferred options.

Councillors concluded that 52 homes could be built at Station Yard provided a new entrance is made for factory vehicles.

Land off Elson Road, by Almond Drive, was identified as an appropriate site for 88 houses so long as Trimpley Street is widened.