Telford & Wrekin Council accused of ignoring its own policies over housing
Campaigners fighting plans for 330 homes on the edge of Wellington have accused council officers of ignoring their own policies.
Plans for the development at Orleton Park have prompted a storm of protest from residents, who fear that it would cause traffic chaos and that schools and medical services would not cope with the influx of new residents.
Mike White, on behalf of the Haygate View Residents' Group, has now written to Telford & Wrekin Council managing director Richard Partington to complain about comments made by the council's environment and planning policy team about the proposal.
The application is due to be considered by the council's planning committee on May 21.
Mr White said the officers had given too much weight to national policy – which assumes applications will be given the go-ahead unless there is an overriding reason to refuse – and not enough to existing local policies intended to protect historic and green areas.
He said: "It is submitted respectfully that the appraisal is both weak and compliant and lacks the necessary rigour.
"The importance of the NPPF is undeniable but the policy appraisal must read properly and holistically and this does not appear to be the case."
A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "The subject of the letter is a current planning application and will be determined by the council as planning authority . The application will be brought to the planning committee where the members will be made aware of all concerns together with the relevant policy and material"
