Shawbury homes plan given the go-ahead

The proposal, for a site off Shrewsbury Road in Shawbury, has been granted permission by Shropshire Council using delegated powers.

The plans also include a roundabout on the A53, a bus turning area and a car park for the nearby school.

At least 15 per cent of the houses will be in the affordable category.

The scheme has divided villagers, with 11 letters of objection and 13 in support being received by Shropshire Council.

Those against the plans raised concerns about the extra traffic and the proposed roundabout increasing congestion on a very busy road.

But those in support say it will help the village grow and will benefit the school.

Shawbury Parish Council said it was happy to support the plan providing an agreement could be reached over financing the roundabout and the bus turning area.

Jack Wilson, clerk to Shawbury Parish Council, said members also wanted the scheme to include a gate to the school.

A report on behalf of Shropshire Council said the site is in a sustainable location which benefits from good transport links.

"The site is being promoted as the only housing allocation within Shawbury in the forthcoming Site Allocations and Management of Development Plan (SAMDev)," the report said.

Nigel Thorns, from Fieldcrest Partnership LLP, the consultants for the application, said the current road set-up led to congestion outside the school at the start and end of each day.

"In addition, buses need to reverse within the highway in order to get to and from the school.

"The new access off the A53 Shrewsbury Road would include a bus turning area along with a car park for a pupil drop-off," he added.