124 sign petition over Shropshire village homes plan

Plans have been submitted to Shropshire Council to build the homes in Hordley Road, Tetchill, near Ellesmere, sparking a 124-name petition.

Campaigners against the plans say the village is not a suitable place for new homes because it lacks vital services such as a bus service, community hall and shop.

The scheme, submitted by Steven Jones, involves creating four affordable homes and six open market homes.

It has been put forward as part of Shropshire Council's SAMdev, a scheme which aims to bring 16,000 extra homes and new employment land to the county.

John Paul Jeffels, Tetchill resident who helped launch the petition, said: "Tetchill is not a sustainable place because it lacks facilities and services.

"The road through Tetchill does not have a pavement, which is surely needed for the safety of the residents, especially the young children."

Commenting on Shropshire Council's website, Paul Phillips said: "The development is too big for Tetchill.

"This development will without question increase the amount of traffic in and out of the village.

"We are not happy about this plan."

Documents in support of the application say there is a high demand for social rented housing in the area.

"Residential use of this site is within the settlement of Tetchill and will enhance the village, providing much needed social rented properties together with a small open market housing provision providing renewed vitality to the village," they say.

"It will also ensure that young families can continue to reside in the rural areas close to family ties whilst also providing modestly priced property to buy for people wishing to return to the area or to set up home near their place of employment.

"Evidence from Shropshire Council confirms that there is a high demand for social rented housing in the area, as many as 17 households are currently on the waiting list.

"The proposal for four rented properties is double the 13 per cent requirement for affordable housing on development sites.

"Approval of the proposals will allow marketing of the site to proceed.

"Developers have already indicated their interest."

People can comment on the plans as part of the consultation over the development, via the Shropshire Council website.

The agent acting on behalf of the applicant did not wish to comment.