Homes fight over 'historic' Telford fields

Telford & Wrekin Council is fighting plans for a new estate in Muxton after rejecting it as not being appropriate.

Developers have taken it to a planning inquiry, declaring it as being "real homes for real people". But an inspector was told it would ruin an historic landscape and place more traffic on narrow roads.

Planning inspector Martin Whitehead will decide whether to give Gladman Developments permission to build the homes on the land off Muxton Lane.

A petition has been started against the plans, with more than 200 signatures.

Telford & Wrekin Council's barrister, Timothy Jones, told the inquiry: "It is a valued landscape because it is a group of fields that follow historic patterns and are relatively rare.

"This would be an ad hoc housing development tacked on to the edge of the town.

"People would have to walk the route from the bus stop to the entrance of the site, bearing in mind houses won't be particularly close to the entrance, and some will be with shopping or with young children. The development would, in reality, be heavily car-dependent on a quiet rural lane.

"As people age and become less able there would become social isolation. The development is not necessary or sustainable."

Jonathon Easton, barrister for Gladman Developments, said at the opening of the inquiry, at the Ramada Telford-Ironbridge Hotel in Forge Gate, that the development would deliver "much-needed" affordable housing.

He said: "Only two of the original four reasons for refusal remain now and those that do have been circumscribed by the council. One field would be turned into residential development but the others would be maintained.

"A primary school and doctors are all within walking distance. If this appeal is allowed it will be because the the proposal represents sustainable development.

"It will provide much-needed housing and will bring forward a significant amount of affordable housing. It will deliver real homes for real people."

Planning inspector Mr Whitehead said: "The points I will be considering include the effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape, the sustainability of the location of the site, whether it would represent a sustainable development.

"There were also concerns about the loss of agricultural land and traffic and highway safety, drainage and flooding.

"There is also a concern about how it will affect local schools and doctors facilities."

The inquiry was continuing today.