'Bearable' Shrewsbury housing estate given go-ahead

Shropshire Council members voted through proposals for six new homes on land at Washford Road, in Meole Brace, even though concerns remain about emergency vehicles being able to negotiate the narrow street.

The local authority has refused the application once, but on appeal Government planning inspector Elaine Benson found the scheme to be acceptable.

Councillors admitted it was inevitable the 2,500 square metre site, close to a railway line, would eventually be built on despite the fears raised.

Councillor Miles Kenny said: "I don't think this piece of land should be for housing, it should be for allotments. The sad thing would be that if this went to an appeal we would lose again and they've got us into a bit of a tight stretch."

Sundorne Councillor Kevin Pardy said: "My worry as an ex-firefighter is whether access is good enough for emergency vehicles.

And David Roberts, councillor for Loton, said: "I only have a Volvo but I was worried about losing my wing mirrors when I drove along that road."

But councillor Ted Clarke, representing Bayston Hill, Column and Sutton, said: "I was surprised that the site wasn't as tight as it first appeared and I would say it is just about adequate and will still provide a bearable living environment for people."

Members were criticised for not taking the matter seriously after a suggestion by one councillor to install sprinklers.

Condover resident Jonathan Worton said: "This suggestion would have been almost comical if it wasn't such a serious issue."