Plans for 500 homes on Telford factory site look set for green light
Telford's former Maxell factory looks set to be redeveloped as an estate of more than 500 homes, despite strong opposition from neighbouring residents.
More than 200 people have objected to the bid by J Ross Developments to develop the former factory site at Apley Wood. But Telford & Wrekin Council planners have decided the development would "not cause significant harm".
The plastics manufacturer moved its final 70 staff out of the factory in December to a new site on the nearby Hortonwood industrial estate.
Developers now want to demolish the old factory and build 540 homes on the site. The application includes plans for a local shopping centre, which will include a supermarket and possibly a pharmacy.
In the report, to go before councillors next week, planning officer Gareth Thomas said the site would help meet the borough's need for housing and would not affect road safety.
He said: "This application has generated considerable objection and concern locally. Officers have recognised the strength of local opinion. However, the issues that have been raised have been carefully considered and amendments and clarification sought on several key issues.
"In addition to the benefits derived from meeting housing need, it is concluded the development would not cause significant harm and is in accordance with national and local planning policy guidance."
But councillors face significant pressure from the 202 objections that have been submitted, mostly by residents living nearby.
Telford & Wrekin Councillor, Karen Blundell, said: "I have serious concerns about the infrastructure as the local schools do not appear to have capacity for the extra primary and secondary pupils.
"The new Charlton School is being built with capacity to accommodate the current level of pupils, where do we expect the additional pupils to go? As this development is close to Apley woods the visitor car park should be larger to ensure that the viability of the woods are not compromised, as Apley woods will soon be enveloped by development from all sides."
Maxell was launched in the 1960s, and has had a base in Telford for around 30 years. The company, which previously specialised in video and audio tape and batteries, has spent the last 10 years shifting its operations into new areas of the plastics industry.
The planning committee meeting will be held at Shropshire College Hotel School Ltd (The Whitehouse), Watling Street, Wellington, on Wednesday at 6pm.
