Over 50 homes planned on former Oswestry stair factory site

The Wrekin Housing Trust said it wants to build 53 affordable homes on the former Richard Burbidge Stair Manufacturing site in Unicorn Road, Oswestry.

The proposed development would include 32 two-bedroom houses, 13 three-bedroom houses, one four-bedroom house and four two-bedroom bungalows.

Sarah Flaherty, project manager for the Wrekin Housing Trust, said the properties would be made available at an affordable rent and would contribute "significantly" towards meeting the need for housing in the area.

She said: "We're excited to submit the plans for this development, as the large number and selection of homes will go towards providing much-needed affordable housing for the area, as well as being an attractive scheme which we think will be a really positive addition to the area.

"All properties would be built to be energy efficient, meaning cheaper fuel bills for residents, as well as having allocated parking spaces, private gardens and secure fencing.

"The site at Unicorn Road is well placed to allow residents easy access to Oswestry town centre on foot or by using public transport."

The trust held a drop-in consultation event earlier this year which gave local residents the chance to view the proposed plans and ask any questions about the development.

Feedback from the drop-in was mainly positive, Ms Flaherty said, with residents happy to see plans for the site to be redeveloped after being unused for some time.

Should planning permission be granted, this would be the trust's fifth development of affordable homes in Oswestry and the surrounding area, with other sites at Middleton Road, the Old Coal Yard in Gobowen, Bower Farm in St Martins where a second phase is under construction with a third planned, and a new extra care development at Alexandra Road.

The trust also operates a local lettings system which ensures that homes go to those with a local connection to the area the properties are in.

The plans will now be considered by Shropshire Council and a decision is likely by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, a development of 17 new houses on the edge of Nesscliffe looks set to be given the go-ahead despite opposition from neighbours.

Plans for the development east of Wilcot Lane were submitted more than a year ago by developers and are finally set to be decided upon by Shropshire Council's central planning committee on Thursday.

They are being recommended for approval, overriding objections from residents who are concerned about the impact on the village and the suitability of the narrow roads to handle more traffic.