Traffic concerns at Shrewsbury development site

Residents living close to the site of the ex-Victorian asylum believe queues will build up on the A458 Welshpool Road if the buildings are transformed into 156 luxury flats and homes.

Members of the Friends of Shelton Green Group have also said building another mini-roundabout to access the development will make congestion worse.

Shropshire Homes has submitted plans to Shropshire Council to convert the former mental hospital into 156 luxury flats and homes, demolish the former kitchen block and build parking areas, courtyards and community gardens and build in the grounds of the hospital a further 82 houses with associated garages and parking.

A new bowling green will also be created and a pavilion and some trees will be felled.

But the Friends group has voiced their concerns over the proposed scheme, stating that the mini roundabout - less than 100 metres from an existing, larger one - will create a danger spot for motorists, pedestrians and residents.

Terry Manders, who lives at Shelton Green, said: "We have been told by Shropshire Homes that there is not going to be any extra traffic from this development. But they are comparing it with when the hospital was open. But if that is the case, why do we need the roundabout? They are also planning on felling trees, many of which have preservation orders on them.

"This development will bring a danger to our roads. To put a mini roundabout on that road is a scandal. We can not live with it. We have actually been told they are doing this island for aesthetic reasons. But it is a scandal. If someone sees a sign saying roundabout ahead they will think it means the big one and just go straight across this mini one.

"I will be coming out of my road straight on to a roundabout."

Peter Nutting, Shrewsbury town councillor and a member of the planning committee, said: "It is crazy to want a put a mini roundabout there. I am very concerned about the traffic implications of this proposal and the suggested increase in traffic along Somerby Drive and Racecourse Lane.

"It is not just the residents of Shelton Gardens who have concerns. Shelton Cricket Club also have very very justifiable worries. There are growing concerns that need to be addressed. There are also concerns about how the children from Redwood Park will get to Oxon School due footpaths disappearing. We also need to know how access to the site for the servicing of the cricket pitch will be addressed. There are quite a number of issues that need exploring on this issue."

Howard Thorne, managing director of Shropshire Homes said: "We have been guided by the highways department of Shropshire Council on this matter and they expressed a very strong preference for the mini roundabout. But I do understand the concerns of the residents living nearby."