English Heritage raises concern over Ellemere marina plan

Representatives of the national body have said plans to build 250 homes, a 200-berth marina, hotel, restaurant and holiday cabin on a site south of Canal Way in Ellesmere would harm the nearby grade II-listed Beech House and maintenance yard buildings.

They have "strongly" objected to the proposals, but have offered to hold talks with Shropshire Council to see if their concerns can be addressed.

It comes after the Inland Waterways Association raised objections, claiming it would create too much traffic along the Llangollen Canal which passes by the town. An arm of the canal ends at the Wharf site.

The outline plans, which could create more than 100 jobs, have already been welcomed by many in the town who believe it will boost business. Ellesmere Town Council also supports the project.

John Yates, inspector of historic buildings and areas for English Heritage, said: "The proposed development would have a serious impact on this historic place and in particular on the settings of Beech House and the canal maintenance yard.

"We note that the site is a little lower than the canal, but the proposed hotel in particular would greatly affect perception of Beech House and the canal junction.

"The associated parking, lighting etc would dispel any remaining impression of rurality, in spite of the hedge."

But Mr Yates said there may be potential to obtain the public benefits of the development without harming the settings, and said English Heritage were prepared to join Shropshire Council in discussions to investigate the possibilities. In a statement posted on the Shropshire Council website, Mr Yates said English Heritage firmly recommends that outline planning permission should not be granted for this application in its present form.

He said: "However, we are very willing to meet with you and the applicants to discuss possible amendments to the eastern part of the proposals in particular, so as to safeguard the settings of the outstanding listed historic buildings and the conservation area."

The current plans were made public 18 months ago. Of the 250 homes proposed for the site, 25 of these will be affordable and planners say there will be a lot of green and open spaces.

The site has been promoted as part of Shropshire Council's Site Allocations and Management of Development plan (SAMDev), which seeks to guide all new development – including more than 20,000 homes – in the county until 2026.