Controversial plans for 500 Telford homes look set to get go-ahead
Controversial plans to build a village on the site of Shropshire's former sugar beet factory look set to get the go-ahead again.
The proposals to build 470 homes, a primary school, business space, shop and a health centre at Allscott will be brought back before Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee.
It is one of several successful planning applications being reviewed after the authority claimed it had met its target for a five-year supply of land for housing.
Council planning officers have recommended the project is approved at Monday's meeting, despite fresh objections being made by nearby residents.
Outline plans were first given planning permission in July last year. But Telford & Wrekin Council announced earlier this year it would be reviewing a number of applications after it determined it had satisfied Government targets.
The plans have previously caused a mixed reaction. Supporters described the site as "ripe for development" and becoming a "blot on the landscape", since British Sugar's factory closed in 2007 after 80 years in operation, at a cost of about 100 jobs.
But others have raised concerns that narrow roads surrounding the site will not be able to handle extra traffic.
Planning officers have received 22 letters of objection since it was revealed plans were going back before councillors for another decision. One resident told planners: "The Maxell site (for 540 homes) and other proposed sites along the A442 will all impact on traffic on the B4394 through Admaston and Wrockwardine."
In response, Councillor Adrian Meredith, for Newport South and East, said: "There could be an extra 700 cars, so I am concerned about the plans." But at the original meeting when permission was granted, councillors supporting the application said there would be no more traffic or impact than when the site was home to a factory.
Mondays meeting will be held at Oakengates Theatre from 6pm.
