Warning over bids to build new homes in Wem

Pauline Dee, Shropshire councillor for Wem, said that while she recognises the need for new homes, she fears the number that are planned will put too much pressure on the existing infrastructure.

It comes as two separate appeals have been launched to create nearly 100 new homes in Wem, which will be determined by government planning inspectors.

Councillor Dee said: "I am hoping they won't get passed until infrastructure improvements get passed.

"Our local people need housing and we need rented homes for young people, but we need jobs and we need better infrastructure.

"People forget about people buying these homes have families.

"I believe the doctors and schools are full. We need more places at schools but where finances come from I am not sure.

"We are seeing more business come into Wem but we need apprenticeships for youngsters."

Developers have appealed to a government planning inspector to overturn Shropshire Council's decision to throw out a scheme to create 50 new homes between Aston Road and Church Lane in Wem.

The plans were initially given permission at a meeting of the council's north planning committee in February last year, subject to planning conditions.

But after changes to Shropshire Council's development plan, which is also known as SAMDev, the scheme was turned down.

Meanwhile, AFM Farming LLP has appealed to a planning inspector to overturn the unitary authority's decision to throw out a scheme to create up to 37 homes on land at the junction with Church Lane and Soulton Road in Wem.

Both applications will be determined by inspectors following hearings.

Councillor Dee added: "We don't need the amount of houses developers think we need.

"SAMDev proved the number of houses so I hope the wishes of people will be taken forward.

"I am glad families are coming into the area as there is so much for people in Wem to do. But the infrastructure needs to grow before we have new housing."

Meanwhile, Councillor Dee also raised concerns about the closure of the town's NatWest Bank.

Last month NatWest announced the closure would take place in the summer due to a reduction in usage.

But Councillor Dee said: "It is pretty horrendous. There are a lot of concerns about elderly people and the fact that people might keep more money at home now."