Controversial plan for 330 Telford houses recommended for go-ahead
A plan for 330 homes in Telford that attracted hundreds of "thorough and heartfelt" objections was today recommended for approval.
The application for land at Orleton Park on the edge of Wellington will be considered by councillors on May 21.
But Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee was today recommended to approve the plan on a 15.2 hectare site to the north of Haygate Road.
The development would be on a main arterial road into the market town and next to the historic Orleton Hall and Park.
This neighbouring land is registered with English Heritage and includes the grade II 18th century mansion Orleton Hall.
Open countryside lies to the north of the site and Wellington Cricket Club to the west.
The east and south of the site is bordered by the built up area of Wellington.
The application by Gladman Developments Ltd has generated fierce objection and sparked the formation of campaign group Haygate View.
The group believes if the plan goes ahead it will cause traffic chaos, spoil a heritage landscape and put too much pressure on the infrastructure of Wellington.
The council has received more than 125 letters of objection and two petitions, one signed by 301 residents and the second signed by about 165.
Planning case officer Gareth Thomas today urged councillors to read the comments online, writing in his report: "The representations received are thorough and very heartfelt."
But he added: "Whilst the development would have some conflict with countryside and conservation policies, the development would provide a useful contribution to housing land supply in addition to the economic and social benefits that would flow from this."
Mr Thomas recommended the committee granted outline planning permission, subject to conditions.
The plan will be considered at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee in the Haybridge Restaurant at Telford College of Arts and Technology.
