Homes scheme at deserted Telford pub is back before planners

However, the fate of the application, which could see eight homes built at the site of The Red Lion in Little Dawley, hangs in the balance.

Members of Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee deferred the application last month because of concerns about the density of the proposed development and access to the site.

They had asked for changes to be made to the application but no alterations have been made to the application going back before councillors at the committee's March meeting next Wednesday.

In a report to go before members at the meeting at The Whitehouse in Wellington, planning officer Libby Harper said, with regards to reducing the number of houses at the site, a report carried out by a council development specialist had shown profit levels would be "well below those stated as acceptable in recent appeal cases and therefore less units would certainly impact on the viability of the site".

He added: "The agent has advised that no changes to the application will be made as requested by members with regard to either density or access and thus officers have been unable to negotiate any amendments.

"Members are therefore asked to determine the application in its current form as originally presented."

The plans, recommended for approval by planning officers, asked for access on to and off the site from narrow Hafren Road.

The latest recommendation will come as a concern to neighbouring residents who say they are worried the development would cause an increase in the volume of traffic as well as parking issues on the road.

At last month's planning meeting, Councillor Nigel Dugmore said the applicants should consider the site's entrances and exits should be shared between Hafren Road and Holly Road.

And speaking at that meeting, Dawley Hamlets Parish Councillor Alan Scott said the residents of Hafren Road were not opposed to housing replacing the pub – which has lain empty for two years – but were worried about access for vehicles.

He added: "The road is narrow and has a great deal of on-street parking. This development would increase on-street parking which would lead to increased issues."