Planning inspector uphold rejection of Wem development
Planning inspectors have upheld Shropshire Council's decision to refuse planning permission for a development of 25 homes in a town.
Shropshire councillors rejected the plans for land at The Larches, in Shawbury Road, Wem, in June last year over concerns that the homes would be of character with the area.
They also said the plans would cause "harm to the character of the area" and were not sustainable.
Applicants Mr and Mrs Jones, on behalf of The Planning Group, then appealed against the decision saying the site would not cause any detrimental impact on the area. But planning inspector Tom Cannon has now dismissed their case.
He said: "I consider that the main issue in this case is whether or not the proposal would provide a suitable site for housing having regard to housing supply, the character and appearance of the area and the principles of sustainable development.
"Boosting significantly the supply of housing will inevitably require housing to be built on some greenfield sites which will result in changes to the local environment.
"Nonetheless, the substantial harm to the character and appearance of the area that would arise from this development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the acknowledged benefits of the proposal.
"I therefore find that the appeal development would not provide a suitable site for housing."
