Approval on cards for Shrewsbury Co-op shop bid

Shropshire Council's Central Planning Committee will consider the application for a 326 square metre store near to the Charles Darwin public house, Sutton Road, on Thursday.

Shrewsbury Town Council had objected to the proposal on the basis of the increase in traffic and concerns over a lack of parking.

The councillors had also called for measures to be introduced which would reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour.

In total 196 letters of objection from the public have been received citing "highway safety, traffic, and parking", "impact on local and residential amenities", "design, scale and external appearance of the building".

If approved developers say the plans would create six full-time and 14 part-time jobs. Shropshire councillor John Tandy, who represents the area, described it as a "bad application" which has "caused a lot of concern from residents within the area".

He said: "The proposed new building is in front of the building line, and is overlooked on all sides by residential properties.

"The outer wall of the proposed building is approximately within a yard of the Charles Darwin pub's property boundary wall. It is directly opposite a group of residential houses in Tilstock Crescent.

"The rear entrance of the proposed building is referred to as an existing vehicle access. This highlighted entrance has never been used by commercial traffic and has been permanently locked. Lorries turning in this new entrance will be disturbing houses less than 10 yards away, usually very early in the morning."

Councillor Tandy also said the appearance of the store will not be in keeping with the area.

He said: "The proposed building will be out of keeping with the area. The existing shopping area opposite the pub, is designed as a shopping area and should be kept as such."

Councillor Tandy also questioned whether the store would create new jobs.

He said: "The proposed store will also be in direct competition with another Co-operative store as they are different franchises of the same company. Obviously both stores would not be sustainable and so this will not be creating new employment within local area. This is a bad application and has caused a lot of concern from residents within the area."

The application has been recommended for approval with a report for the planning committee stating: "The erection of the local convenience store is acceptable in principle and in accordance with adopted and emerging policy. The proposed building would have no adverse impact on the character and appearance of the locality.