Government planning inspector throws out Ellesmere homes plan

The inspector turned down the appeal to build up to nine homes near to the cemetery at Swan Hill, Ellesmere.

The inspector David Murray said the development would harm the character and appearance of the area, which includes the Mere.

In his report he said: "The development would result in the loss of part of the open area of countryside which makes a positive contribution to the setting of the town and the Mere.

"The development would be visible on the high ground and the impact on the skyline together with the changes to the character of Swan Lane would be significantly harmful overall to the character and appearance of the area.

"I am satisfied that generally the site lies in a sustainable location. The proposal would provide more housing and the formal agreement would ensure that there would be an appropriate element of affordable housing as well as the gift of additional open land to the local community.

"I conclude that the positive aspects of the scheme and the public benefits put forward are not sufficient to outweigh the conflict with the development plan polices and the harm that I have identified."

In August members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee refused permission for the homes next to the Mere, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

But the applicant CMS JAW Ltd appealed against the decision and submitted an appeal to the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

Residents and councillors who have campaigned for years to protect one of the town's most prized assets raised concerns about the impact the development would have on the area.

Councillor Ian Ward, mayor of Ellesmere, said he was delighted that the appeal has now been thrown out.

"Hopefully we will now have some respite from the unwanted attacks on this area of the Mereside," he said.

Resident Paul Goulbourne added: "This is great new, some common sense at last, let's hope the other applications go the same way."

The plans were submitted a year after a similar scheme to build 22 homes on the same site was thrown out.

The 22-home plan was thrown out by a planning inspector in January 2014 after a petition of 2,000 names was submitted on behalf of residents.

But the applicant 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.