Leisure development 'risk to charm' of north Shropshire town

Although the plans, put forward by Nigel Thorns Planning Consultancy, have the support of Ellesmere Town Council, it seems residents are far from agreed.

The application would see a marina, hotel, restaurant and holiday cabins built south of Canal Way, near the town's Tesco supermarket.

But some fear it could could "destroy rather than enhance" Ellesmere and have given their objections to Shropshire Council.

Jeremy Inglis said: "The proposed development is completely out of proportion to the size of the town and is destined to forever alter the character of the town and the canal which is such an important part of Ellesmere," he said

"The wharf is the heart, both historically and visually of this unique community and to overpower its appeal with such an enormous development runs the risk of destroying rather than enhancing."

The Nigel Thorns Planning Consultancy said the scheme would "provide a link between the town centre and the canal" which would "regenerate and promote the areas between".

But Helen Brockman, who said she was a regular visitor to Ellesmere, feared the development would reduce tourism. She said: "From a boating point of view, my opinion is that it would be madness to introduce yet another marina on to the Llangollen Canal as it is already too busy

"The Llangollen Canal, which is a major asset to Ellesmere, is in danger of becoming the victim of its own popularity. If this plan goes ahead, our boating visits to Ellesmere are likely to be reduced to a quick grab at Tesco for supplies before moving on to somewhere more pleasant."

The plans have also been criticised by the Inland Waterways Association, which claims they could put significant strain on the canal by making it too busy.

English Heritage has also objected, fearing the development could harm the nearby grade II-listed Beech House and maintenance yard buildings.

There are now 13 comments of objection submitted for the application, and seven of support.

And one of the supporters is the town council which has promoted the site as part of Shropshire Council's Site Allocations and Management of Development plan (SAMDev), which maps out future growth in the county.

And with the development set to create more than 100 new jobs, many have claimed it could be just what is needed to regenerate the area.

Ellesmere resident Paul Goulbourne said: "The town is desperately short of good hotel accommodation."