Plan for 70 homes billed 'inappropriate' in council objection

The development, on land east of Tilstock Road in Tilstock, near Whitchurch, has been lodged by Boningale Homes.

The scheme includes access, open space, landscaping and associated works.

In a design and access statement, Pegasus Group, working on behalf of the developers, say it will ‘create new housing and new amenity spaces for existing and new communities’.

“The proposals at land at Tilstock Road will deliver up to 70 homes in a range of dwelling types, sizes and tenures, offering an accessible and acceptable choice of lifestyles,” it said.

“It will be a highly desirable place to live for the 21st century and beyond, reflecting the desirable elements of the local vernacular. The proposals respect the local character but also move the community towards a more sustainable future, through an increase in housing choice.”

However, the scheme has been met by a backlash from locals, with nearly 50 objections lodged.

A community group, called ‘stop Tilstock development’ has also been set up, with more than 200 people signing a petition.

Now Whitchurch Parish Rural Council has had its say after discussing the proposal at a recent meeting.

“The housing allocation for Tilstock, as specified in the Local Plan, is 50 homes, split across three allocated sites,” said a spokesman.

“To date, circa 52 houses have been delivered. The proposed development falls outside the development boundary as specified in Shropshire Council’s Local Plan.

“A proposal for 70 new homes adjacent to a settlement of the size of Tilstock is an unacceptable level of development in a rural area. Shropshire Council has put an emphasis in its Local Plan for development in urban areas rather than rural.

“Community engagement was provided in the form of a public meeting which, although it was well attended, did not produce a positive response from residents.

“The developer did not attend a parish council meeting or to engage face to face with its councillors. Therefore, the developer cannot reasonably claim that any ‘priorities for community benefit have been identified in partnership with the community’ in relation to identifying requirements for facilities, services and infrastructure, which is a contravention of the aims of Core Strategy.”

The spokesperson added that the proposals would not bring any local economic or community benefits to the village, and would place ‘undue pressures’ on existing infrastructure.

The scheme is set to go before Shropshire Council’s Northern Planning Committee at a future date.