Questions posed on housing development near Whitchurch
Serious thought should be put into the location of recreational facilities and a new shop when detailed plans are drawn up for a scheme to create more than 100 homes at a former business yard near Whitchurch, councillors say.
Scaled-back plans to create 116 homes on Grocontinental's yard off Heathwood Road in Higher Heath, have been met with a mixed reaction from local councillors and residents.
The plans have been put forward by the storage distribution giant's smaller company Grocott Developments Ltd after being given outline planning permission back in 2011.
Developers are now moving forward with the project's finer details ahead of the submission of a detailed planning application.
The original plans also include a village shop to be within the development, but planning agent Peter Richards said this had been looked at again and may be moved to a more suitable place.
He said the shop could be created off the junction of Mill Lane and the A41 in a bid to "provide more opportunity for passing trade, while also being within walking distance of the village".
The scheme was discussed at Prees Parish Council's meeting where councillors were invited to comment on it.
Councillor Paul Gill, chairman of the parish council, said: "We only put it on the agenda because the agent requested to speak to the parish council.
"We have not yet seen the full application and have not made a final decision on it.
"The meeting gave us an opportunity to ask questions.
"We wanted to clarify the location and viability of the shop as some residents would like it put more towards the centre.
"They are concerned about it being on the edge of the A41 where they are concerned it might not be as accessible for people and could be dangerous.
"The agent said it would be pointless putting it in the centre if it was to close in just six months' time.
"People also want clarification on the amount of affordable housing.
"I would like to see some real thought put into the recreation areas. They should be putting in recreational space to accommodate toddlers.
"They could focus on toddlers on the development itself and assist the parish council in creating facilities for older children on the recreation space that already exists in the village.
"We have asked the agent to consider holding a public event in the village to get feedback about the development at a later stage."
The development could start next summer.
