Plans for holiday lodges near the Mere in Shropshire scrapped
A plan to build holiday lodges near to a beauty spot in Shropshire has been scrapped.
Simon Darlington has decided to withdraw his appeal to create 20 holiday lodges on Castlefields car park, near to the Mere in Ellesmere. The plan sparked a storm of opposition from local residents.
He launched the appeal earlier this year in the hope a government planning inspector would overturn Shropshire Council's decision to refuse the scheme.
The news has delighted campaigners who want the area to be left alone.
Mr Darlington claims Shropshire Council, which owns the land, has done a U-turn on its previous support.
He said: "Shropshire Council has gone back on its word. I have got emails saying they supported it," he said. "They are now saying even if we win the appeal they will not lease the land to us."
Residents feared the scheme would have created a "visual blot" on the landscape.
