English Heritage deals Shrewsbury homes blow

The organisation has called for Taylor Wimpey's plans for 292 homes in Sutton Grange, off Oteley Road, to be revised.

The Government body fears the scheme would have a "major impact" on the grade II-listed Church of St John Sutton, which is now the Orthodox Church.

John Yates, inspector of historic buildings and areas for English Heritage, said planning permission should not be granted in the present form.

His letter to Shropshire Council said: "It appears to us that the proposed layout gives too little space and visual emphasis for this outstanding building, in spite of the fact that it will be the most impressive historic landmark in this new development.

"It also appears to us that views from the vicinity of the church towards the town centre will be seriously impaired.

"The development of this land should give an opportunity to enhance and safeguard the future sustainability of this building for its future users and uses.

"The proposal does improve access to the church, but does not apparently make appropriate car parking provision for it.

"Planning permission should not be granted for this proposal in its present form, but discussions should be held to obtain a modified layout that will give a more appropriate setting for the historic church and provision for sufficient car parking."

Objections have already been made by groups including the Shrewsbury branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth.

If planning permission is granted, work would begin by the end of this year, with the first homes due to go on sale in 2014.

The proposals are the first to be put in by a housebuilder after Shropshire Council backed the Shrewsbury South Sustainable Urban Extension blueprint last October. The scheme has been given the backing of the consortium of landowners who own the majority of the affected site.