More than 300 homes to be built at Telford beauty spot as developers win appeal
More than 300 new homes will be built on a beauty spot in Telford after a Government planning inspector backed plans despite a fierce battle by residents to protect it from development.
David Wildsmith has upheld an appeal by Gladman Developments against Telford & Wrekin Council's decision to refuse planning permission to build hundreds of homes on Haygate Fields, north of Haygate Road, Wellington.
Outline planning permission was initially granted by the council but planning chiefs ordered it to be looked at again, claiming Telford already had enough housing either already built or in the pipeline for the next five years.
The developer lodged an appeal with the national Planning Inspectorate, claiming the council had taken too long to make a decision.
Hundreds of people had signed petitions to try to stop the development going ahead at the site, which is near to the town's cricket club and known to locals as Haygate Fields.
A community group called Haygate Fields Group even fundraised to pay for a barrister to help them fight developers.
Diane Treherne, one of the organisers of the campaign group, said: "Haygate Fields Group are saddened that the planning inspector has upheld the appeal.
"This means planning permission has been granted for 290 houses and Haygate Fields will be lost forever.
"The group has tried its best over the last three years to stop the developers building, but the inspector has had the final word.
"However, we would like to thank all who belong to, or have given their support to Haygate Group for all the dedicated work they have done during this campaign."
Mr Wildsmith, in a report outlining his reasons for upholding the appeal, said he recognised the development would have adverse impacts including the loss of agricultural land.
But he said there would also be "substantial benefits" including a £3 million New Homes Bonus the council would receive from the government.
He added: "My overall conclusion is that the adverse impacts of the proposal would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the substantial benefits which would arise from this development.
"I therefore conclude that this proposal should be allowed."
