Homes and jobs top of Whitchurch Town Council's wishlist
Officials want to see up to 1,700 homes built in Whitchurch as part of a blueprint of how the area should develop by 2026.
Up to 1,200 new houses are currently being earmarked for Whitchurch, but town councillors believe Shropshire Council should allow an extra 500 new homes and increase employment land.
Whitchurch Town Council has responded to Shropshire Council's consultation on SAMdev, a scheme which aims to bring 16,000 extra homes and new employment land to the county.
The town council's strategy, Time to Lead the Community, gives priority to creating more quality and sustainable jobs, providing more homes, and improving transport links and community facilities.
Peter Cooper, the town council's locum town clerk, said: "These things will not just happen.
"They will only be achieved if the town develops sufficiently to attract higher value jobs, provides a homes, including starter and affordable ones, and attracts a range of shops.
"The proposals for 1,200 houses and extra employment land move further towards making the town and its communities sustainable, but town councillors believe it does not go far enough to enable the necessary investment."
The Whitchurch Town and Parish Plan, and the council's strategy, show Whitchurch is relatively deprived compared to the rest of Shropshire.
They also show that residents feel there is strong need for more opportunities for learning and jobs.
Councillor Jack Thornton said: "If we are really going to make our town the place that we say we want, it has to grow enough to attract the investment that will provide the necessary facilities.
"We need to give everyone the chance to make their views known on a higher level of development.
"We have the locations within the town boundaries and developers chomping at the bit. Let's actually deliver our vision for the town and not just talk about it."
Councillor Tony Neville, chairman of communities and environment committee, added: "We have the space to do this in a way which protects our heritage and environment.
"It will be important for sustainability to be a key factor in any new developments, be they housing or employment.
"This can be done as new build has to meet higher energy standards and green space criteria."
