Society supports objections to Newport homes plans
Newport Civic Society has voiced its objections to plans that could see 170 new homes built in the town.
The society is supporting comments raised by Telford & Wrekin Council's planning ecologist and aboriculture department, who have both have also raised objections to the scheme.
The plans could see 170 homes built on land east of Kestrel Close and Beechfields Way and would mean demolishing two homes in Kestrel Close.
The land has been outlined in Telford & Wrekin's Local Plan as part of the authority's green network – a blueprint shaping future development in the borough.
The plans have faced opposition from residents who say the land should be kept as green space. Former guitarist of The Verve, Nick McCabe, who now lives in Beechfields Way, has expressed his objection to the plans by setting up a Facebook group asking people to lobby developer Redrow.
In comments submitted on the plans, the arboriculture department has objected to the proposals due to two oak trees which are subject to tree protection orders.
The ecology department has also raised objections, saying it needs additional information in relation to bats, water vole, the retention of trees which provide irreplaceable habitats to wildlife, impacts of the development upon the Strine Brook and impacts upon breeding birds.
Peter Chadwick, from the Newport and District Civic Society, said the group was concerned about the developments because of the volume of houses already being built in Newport and the impact that it would have on local amenities.
The group has also raised concerns because it was understood that this land was protected.
Mr Chadwick said: "It was understood from the draft consultation on the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan 2016-2031, that the land which is the subject of the application, would be included in a larger site to be designated as part of the Green Network. Given the application has come within weeks of the closure of the consultation period for the Local Plan, we would expect Telford & Wrekin to reject the application and for the designation of the land to be considered by the planning inspector."
