Talks on bid to build near hillfort

English Heritage visited the town after being invited to give its views on the plans, which could see houses built in fields between the hillfort and the town.

The group also met with the Hands Off Old Oswestry Hillfort group following the site visit.

John Waine, spokesman for the group, said: "We all agreed about the significance of the setting and how, during later prehistoric times the intervisibility between this hillfort and The Wrekin would have been paramount.

Evidence

"We have been strongly supported by leading academics who have shown circumstantial evidence suggesting that Old Oswestry Hillfort lies on an ancient route which would have locally linked through Whittington, Old Oswestry and Brogyntyn with a possible early historic market or fair within the vicinity of Old Port Farm.

"Based on this and numerous artefact finds within the hinterland of the hill fort, this area is archaeologically very busy and further investigation is crucial. What has become crystal clear is the critical nature of the archaeological and ecological aspects of the site to any consideration of housing allocation.

"Previous archaeological and heritage impact studies have been shown to be incomplete and insufficient."

Following the visit, town councillors said they had been able to find out more about what developments would be acceptable to English Heritage.

Councillor Chris Schofield, mayor of Oswestry, said: "It was extremely helpful. Members gained a clear understanding of what will and will not be acceptable from English Heritage and will now take these viewpoints to a seminar where we will look to shape our response to the SAMDev proposals not just for the hillfort but for the whole of Oswestry."

The proposals have been unveiled as part of the Site Allocations and Management of Development plan for the town. Across the county, the plan will help allocate land to build more than 20,000 homes by 2026.