Ellesmere homes and jobs plan gets mixed reception

Outline plans for the development of a 200-boat marina, 250 homes, 120-bed hotel, a pub/restaurant and leisure spa by the Wharf were displayed at a public drop-in session in the town last night.

But residents had mixed feelings about the plans, which also include space for holiday cabins and caravans.

Jasmine Bell, from the Herons Watch estate close to the development, said: "I think it's exciting and hope it happens soon.

"I think the leisure idea is great. It will be great for tourism and will bring jobs to the town, which does need some expansion.

"If they can do all of this them it will be a very exciting time for the town."

Steven Ellis, who also lives on Herons Watch, said: "It's a great idea. Bringing in business, jobs and tourism into the town can only be a good thing."

But not everyone was convinced by the idea which planners Burbury Investments insist will provide key visitor attractions to the town and will be a boost to the local economy which would bring in the region of 200 jobs.

Micheal Bambridge, from Birch Road, said: "Really this is not in Ellesmere and I don't really see what advantages it would bring to the town. In fact because of where it is people will almost just divert past the town.

"It will be like a carbuncle on the edge of Ellesmere and I don't think the town really needs it."

Colin Amesbury moved to Ellesmere with his wife Judith 18 months ago.

He said: "It's an ambitious project that's for sure.

"But I can't see it bringing the 200 or so jobs they say it will to the area.

"It would alter the character of Ellesmere, which is one of the reasons we moved here.

"It is a quaint town but I suppose towns need to expand and develop, it's happening all over the country."

Of the 250 homes proposed for for the areas to the south and west of the wharf 25 of these will be affordable and planners say there will be a lot of green and open spaces.

But Julie Metcalfe, who lives on Herons Watch, said: "I'm not even sure Ellesmere itself can sustain a development of this size.

"It's a small town and the schools and doctors are already over subscribed which is an issue they will have to look at."

Nigel Thorns, from Burbery Investments, said the event was important to the planners so they could consider the publics views before an official application is submitted.

He said: "There has general support from the people who came.

"Positive comments have included the employment opportunities within the leisure and tourism element.

"But there are detailed comments which we will seek to address in our final plans.

"When the application is submitted in late July or early August the council will then consult local people for their views on the scheme.

"If the scheme is approved we will then come back to the town and present our detailed proposals."

The scheme first became public more than 18 months ago and has already been welcomed by councillors and business leaders who hope it will boost employment and tourism in the town.

The site has been promoted as part of Shropshire Council's Site Allocation and Management Development plan (SAMDev), which seeks to guide all new development in the county until 2026.

Anyone unable to get to the drop in session and fill in a feedback form can still email comments to nigelthorns@aol.com by July 22.