Irreparable damage fear over Ellesmere park plans

People in Ellesmere insist building close to the Mere would cause irreparable damage to the area.

It comes after plans were resubmitted to build the park with 20 holiday lodges on Castlefields car park. An initial application for 54 touring and static caravans was withdrawn before Shropshire Council made a decision on it.

Residents fear the scheme will damage the natural beauty of the area, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Commenting on Shropshire Council's website, Ian Andrew said: "I can see only negatives for this proposal such as the removal of needed parking for visitors.

"The land surrounding the Mere should be left alone as much as possible as this is one of the main draws for visitors, and once we start chipping away at the edge the long-term damage is done."

Philip Barrett said: "I strongly object to this proposed planning application due to the nature of the site. It has specific characteristics that require preservation.

"It is also apparent from the Mere itself that any such development will have a severe visual impact on the landscape and will cause irreparable damage to the beauty of the mere-side that is a pleasure for the town's people and visitors alike."

Christine Farrelly added: "Developing this site will result in a reduction in car parking facilities right opposite the Mere – one of the many reasons tourists visit the area.

"The development will have an impact on wildlife in this area."

At a recent meeting of Ellesmere Town Council's planning committee members agreed to defer the application to allow the public an opportunity to comment on the application.

Applicant Euro Source and Find Limited, trading as Oswestry Caravans, says the new plans have been designed to address concerns expressed by the community over the size and scale of the original development as well as its impact on the area.

The original proposals came under fire from the Council for British Archaeology, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Ellesmere Town Council.

Many feared it would have an impact on the ruins of nearby Ellesmere Castle – a castle which is thought to have been established by Roger de Montgomery, first Earl of Shrewsbury, soon after the Norman conquest.

But the agent acting on behalf of the applicant said the development will sit within the existing car park to minimise alterations to ground levels, and a survey has revealed that there are no great crested newts on the site.

It added a revised heritage assessment has been carried out which confirms the proposal will have limited impact in heritage terms.