Decision time for 'hugely unpopular plan' for dozens of new homes off A5 in Telford after delays

An outline planning application that would see 120 new homes built on the patch of land near Greenways Farm Shop was originally submitted to the council in October last year by Coventry-based developers Montague Land.

However, that application was withdrawn in January after several objections from neighbours and concerns raised by highways, ecology, archaeology, and environmental health.

The outline planning application was resubmitted in August, reducing the number of homes to "up to 100" but local resistance remained passionate and over 300 residents objected to the plans.

The application also came under fire from St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council, who called them "inappropriate" and "hugely unpopular" with residents.

In a planning meeting in October, councillors voted to defer the decision while a discussion took place with the applicant over the density of the proposal.

Now, the plans are set to go back before the planning committee at a meeting next week, after the developer made some changes. 

During the most recent round of consultations, residents raised concerns over the lack of local infrastructure to support new homes and the potential impact the work would have on the medieval moat on the site.

Many neighbours mourned the possible loss of the green space, but Telford & Wrekin Council planners pointed out the land was not public - and the land owner was entitled to restrict access with the exception of the public right of way that runs through the site.

The updated masterplan now reveals several changes have been proposed, including the reduction of the number of homes from 100 to 80 and an increased amount of open space by 1 hectare.

The proposed apartment block on the west of the site has also been removed and there are now two "continuous green corridors" connecting Ashley Road to the National Cycleway 81 and Church Street to The Flash. The green corridor along the public right of way south of the moat has also been broadened.

The developer has also prepared a 'parametres plan' to accompany the application, which provides a series of commitments over aspects of any future developments. 

These include limits to the distances between facing windows, the use of informal and semi-natural children's play equipment and the inclusion of bungalows to "mitigate concerns of overlooking and broaden the housing offer".

Telford & Wrekin Council planners have once again determined the principle of residential development for the site is acceptable, and have recommended the outline planning application for approval. It will be put before the planning committee next Wednesday, December 11.

The full application is available to view online on Telford & Wrekin Council's planning portal using reference number TWC/2024/0612.