Plan for 10 homes near Ellesmere beauty spot thrown out on appeal

The inspector turned down the appeal to build 10 homes on land off Church Street.

The inspector Geoffrey Hill believed the development would harm the character and appearance of the area.

It comes about a week after a different Government planning inspector turned down an application to create up to nine homes on land near to the cemetery at Swan Hill, which also lies near to the Mere.

The couple behind the Church Street scheme, Rosemary and Chris Horton, appealed to the government planning inspectorate after losing patience with Shropshire Council.

But the council blamed the delay on staff shortage and more information being required before it could make a final ruling on the application.

In a bid to speed up the process, the agents, Greenspace Architects, lodged an appeal with the Government planning inspector on the grounds of non-determination by the council.

In his report Mr Hill said he understood the couples' frustrations that the processing of the application and the administration of the appeal incurred lengthy delays.

He added: "The council contends that the scheme would not be sensitive to the setting of Cremorne Gardens and the Mere.

"The Mere is clearly an important open area within the conservation area, which is appreciated for its visual amenity and leisure value.

"The proposed scheme would harm the character and appearance of the area, and increased use of the western access would jeopardise conditions of highway safety."

Plans to build the homes next to the beauty spot, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, have come under fire from residents and town councillors who want the area left alone.

Councillor Ian Ward, mayor of Ellesmere, said he was delighted that the latest attempt to create new homes in the area has been thrown out.

"We are really pleased the inspector has chosen to refuse the application as the town council was strongly opposed to it and concerned about the affect it would have had on the Mere," he said.

Councillor Ward also believes Shropshire Council's SAMDev planning document played a key part in the decision.

"Now it is in place it is a strong document which planning inspectors are taking a significant regard to. We feel a little more protected," he added.

Geenspace Architects argued the proposal could have had a positive impact on the town by promoting stronger links between the town and the Mere by opening up a connection and improving the existing footpath.