Bid to spark life into stalled Telford building sites

Councillor Shaun Davies said every area of Telford had a "stalled site" brought about by the recession and welcomed a scheme to borrow £2 million to ensure estates were finished.

Members of Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet last night approved the plan, which will act as a pilot scheme for the management of future developments in the borough.

The scheme will see capital funding of up to £156,000 and/or a loan being made available to a developer to help them complete their work.

Developers will be invited to bid for financial support with chosen pilot projects needing to deliver more than 10 homes. They must also show they have exhausted all other funding routes.

It has been claimed that the move will stop building sites being used as unsafe playgrounds by children and bring a welcome boost to the local economy. But fears were raised at last night's meeting that the stalled sites project would help some areas more than others.

Councillor Davies, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, employment and skills and ward member for Dawley, said: "Every member has stalled sites in their ward and I know this will help. These are sites that are designed for development, and I welcome these plans.

"Not only is this a good thing, it will also be a big boost for the high streets as it will see more living space made available."

Councillor Liz Clare said: "The biggest concern I have with these sites is that when they are 70 or 80 per cent complete the development just stops. They have become a real danger to the community as children could injure themselves if they get on to them. Plus they can be a real eyesore."

But concerns have previously been raised by Councillor Gill Green, who said she was very disappointed the scheme only focused on Dawley and Wellington.

She said: "Madeley is getting sidelined and taken for granted yet again. Some years ago Madeley, with its original high street and shops with retail units above, was going to be the pilot for this scheme, but then the Conservatives took over in 2007 and the original pilot lapsed.

"Upper House Madeley, an historic building privately owned, had planning permission granted in 2013 for five apartments and three bedsits. This appears to have stalled. It could easily be brought under this scheme. Isn't it high time Madeley was treated fairly?"