Anger at consent for social housing in Wem
People in Wem reacted with anger after a controversial plan to build 23 social houses was given approval.
Members of Shropshire Council's planning committee this week voted in favour of building the two and three-bedroom homes in Soulton Road.
The application, submitted by social landlord Severnside Housing, was approved to meet the demand for social housing across Shropshire.
But local resident Pieter Van der Westhuizen said he and his fellow neighbours felt let down by both Wem Rural Town Council and the planning committee for approving the plans.
He said: "We are all really upset about the decision.
"Members of Wem Rural Parish Council just haven't represented the views of local people. While there is a demand for social housing nationally and in Shropshire the demand in the Wem rural parish has never been proven.
"This application is right on the border of the Wem Rural and Wem Town parish and Wem Town Council opposed the plan.
"Permission has been granted stating this is an exception site but it says in Shropshire Council's policy documents you can only create an exception site if it's adjoining another settlement, which this application doesn't.
"It's a ridiculous decision but one we are going to have to live with."
Residents argued the homes would put too much pressure on both St Peter's Primary School and Wem and Prees Medical Practice which are already at capacity.
Resident Delwyn Davies said: "These homes will add to the problems that already exist by placing more pressure on the already over burdened schools, doctors and sewage systems as well as Wem town infrastructure.
"There has not been a proven demand for this type of housing. There are existing empty properties available in Wem that have stood empty for years that could potentially be used."
Members of the committee granted planning consent due to an increased need for social housing in Shropshire.
