Whitchurch homes plan is rejected

But plans for six homes in a village near Shrewsbury have been given the go-ahead.

Outline planning permission for 86 homes near Hill Valley Golf Club on Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, was refused by the North Shropshire Planning Committee at a meeting at Shirehall yesterday, after councillors visited the site.

The committee went along with a recommendation to refuse by Shropshire Council planning officers, despite the need for extra housing in the county.

Principal planning office Karen Townend said: "Officers consider this site is not an appropriate location due to its relationship to the built-up edge of the town."

She said the development would form a line across agricultural land, detached from the main town.

Whitchurch could support new housing development, she added, but this particular plan would cause "demonstrable and significant" environmental harm.

Emma Jones, speaking for applicants Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel said the site was as close to town as others accepted in SAMDev. She said she believed officers had "misapplied" environmental criteria.

"The proposal wouldn't have a significant or dramatically adverse impact that would outweigh the social and economic benefits," she said.

But councillors agreed with planning officers.

Councillor Joyce Barrow said: "I have to say I was rather shocked when I saw the site this morning. It just doesn't fit properly . . . it just doesn't belong."

Councillor David Minnery said: "What swings it for me is that if this site were to go through it would completely lock in an urban space.

"It would create this section of land almost inaccessible at the centre."

However, the committee was split on whether to allow six new homes at on Wem Road at Harmer Hill.

Councillor Robert Jeffrey of Myddle and Broughton Parish Council told the committee housing applications in Harmer Hill were "too many, too fast and in the wrong place . . . it can only diminish its character and integrity."

Some councillors raised concerns about the closeness of the houses to the main road, especially as the 40mph speed limit was not always adhered to.

Councillor Steve Davenport said: "The only way I could approve this application is if there were drastic road-calming measures, not just to 30mph, but with speed bumps as well. It is a very fast road and it's an accident waiting to happen."

Committee chair Arthur Walpole said he was "less than comfortable" with plans for an agricultural access road through the development.

But Councillor Vince Hunt said it would only be used 15 times a year, the equivalent of once or twice a month, and urged committee members to vote with their "heads rather than their hearts".

Councillors voted six to three to allow the Harmer Hill development.