Plans for 70 homes in a Shropshire town kicked out

Shropshire Council's North Planning Committee decided that the 68 homes off Teal Drive in Ellesmere would be too much because another 700 have already been earmarked for the area.

They threw out David Wilson Homes' proposals for a mix of three, four and five-bedroom family homes.

Councillors ruled that the plans would not enhance the countryside and would have too great a "cumulative impact" when considered alongside other proposed developments. Council officers had recommended the plans for approval.

Brian Udal, a resident of Teal Drive, spoke at yesterday's meeting in Shirehall on behalf of people living nearby.

He said: "If this proposal was approved it would absorb facilities, services and infrastructure in the community that are already stretched to the maximum.

"The traffic issue has not been properly addressed and sticky plaster studies commissioned by the applicant since the last planning meeting should be dismissed with contempt. There is regular flooding."

Mr Udal said residents instead favoured plans to develop the Ellesmere Wharf with a leisure complex and 250 homes.

Penny Bicknell, agent for the developers, said the proposed development was small and wouldn't cause problems on local roads.

But Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council member for Ellesmere, said the area was not right. She said: "The town centre is looking very overcrowded. Ellesmere is already delivering a huge amount of new development but this one is not in the right place."

Councillors did give outline permission for 15 homes off Chester Road in Whitchurch.

Councillors also deferred a development of seven homes in Ash Magna to the next meeting and they were minded to refuse the construction of stables and a temporary mobile home at Brookmill, Ellesmere.