Petition fails to stop bid for Shropshire village housing site

Plans for 33 homes off New Pulley Lane in Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, were approved by Shropshire Council's Central Planning committee yesterday.

The 10 low-cost houses and 23 rented properties will be built by the Wrekin Housing Trust.

Around 200 people signed a petition against the plans, which also attracted 72 letters of objection and opposition from Bayston Hill Parish Council.

Opponents feared the village was being absorbed by Shrewsbury and losing its countryside and character.

Councillor Miles Kenny said the dense development would inevitably lead to social problems.

"The cost of that will have to be met by everyone, from the police to the NHS," he said.

"That must be taken into account because the cost will be paid by the taxpayer."

Bayston Hill Parish Council said the proposals ran contrary to the parish plan which states the gap between the village and Shrewsbury should be protected.

And local resident Andy Brinkley said the site was unsafe.

"There was a fatal accident in June 2008 and seven people were taken to hospital.

"People travel so fast through the area and so many children will be cycling to school in Meole."

But Councillor Peter Nutting said he saw no reason for refusal.

"This is a sustainable development and the reality is that it would be very well connected to amenities."

He added: "I can see no reason for refusal and I think we are going to have to agree with it."

As part of its planning permission, the trust has agreed to spend £2,500 on the upkeep of a footpath running through the estate.