Appeal over refusal of Mere homes plan
An appeal has been lodged against a decision to throw out controversial plans to build homes next to a Shropshire beauty spot.
Members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee refused planning permission for nine homes next to the Mere in Ellesmere in August.
But CMS JAW Ltd has appealed against the council's latest decision and has now submitted an appeal to the government Planning Inspectorate which will decide whether the plans should go ahead.
Residents have taken to the town's community campaign Facebook group to register their opposition to building around the Mere.
Janice Williams posted: "I have just received a letter from Shropshire Council stating that Mr James Wild is appealing to the secretary of state regarding the refusal of planning permission for Swan Hill.
"Closing date for comments is November 30," she added.
"All these battles for our town are obviously ongoing and don't go away."
And Ian Ward wrote: "We just have to keep fighting them."
The plans, which would involve building on land north east of Swan Hill, were submitted a year after a similar scheme to build 22 homes on the same site were thrown out.
Residents and councillors campaigned against the original scheme and also objected to the fresh one.
The 22-home plan was thrown out by a planning inspector in January last year after a petition of 2,000 names was submitted on behalf of residents.
As well as an objection from Ellesmere Town Council, more than 40 letters from residents were submitted to Shropshire Council against the proposal.
But applicant CMS JAW Ltd said the site did not fall within a green belt or area of outstanding natural beauty, nor was it subject to any special planning designation in recognition of its landscape or ecological value.
The applicant also said they proposed to gift some of the land to the Mere Charitable Trust and create a circular walk should the development be allowed.
The appeal comes after plans for a holiday park next to the Mere were thrown out this week.
Members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee unanimously voted to refuse planning permission for 20 holiday lodges on Castlefields car park next to the Mere in Ellesmere.
The plans had been opposed by almost 100 residents members of the public and by town councillors.
