Fears over plan for Telford industrial park near homes

The controversial proposals by Telford & Wrekin Council and Homes England would see a development of up to 80,000sq m built on land north and east of Shawbirch roundabout.

Organisers said the scheme would provide a significant economic boost to the local area, and would be used for offices, research and development, industrial use, storage and distribution.

But dozens of residents who live near the proposed site have objected to the plans, warning that the impact of lorries and loss of green space around their homes would cause "irrecoverable damage" to the area.

Daniel Wheelwright, on behalf of the applicants, said: "The proposed development will deliver one of the largest employment allocations set out in the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan.

"It will also lead to a significant economic boost to the local area, linking in with other strategic sites along the A442.

"We consider that the application scheme fully supports the aims and objectives including all relevant policies of the National Planning Policy Framework in achieving sustainable economic development."

Local residents react to the application

However, Tom Everson, who lives near the site, said: "Hundreds of lorries arriving and departing every morning and evening will have a huge impact on the local transport network, which is already extremely heavy during peak times.

"This land has been agricultural for nearly 200 years, and though its listing as potential development land goes back many years, when it was allocated Shawbirch did not exist as a residential area. I am convinced that better sites exist.

"The proposed site is in close proximity to two primary schools, the Princess Royal Hospital, the Severn Hospice, and 2,000 residents of Shawbirch. Surely the pollution and extra traffic generated by an industrial site of this nature would have a major effect on the health and wellbeing of a large portion of Telford’s population."

Lucy Johnson said: "Enough is enough. If this application goes ahead, traffic will be horrendous, and more of our precious green space will be lost."

Anthony Norton said: "You would be turning an area that is lovely to live in and enjoy with your family into an industrial estate with an increase in traffic and noise.

"These facilities will be too close to a residential area and should be located on non-agricultural land. We understand the need for extra housing, but not this."

Melanie Wilder said: "A development with tall structures is totally out of keeping with the surroundings. It will immediately devalue houses in the area. A manufacturing estate is is already established at Hortonwood - that is the appropriate place for large industrial units to be built. As an asthma sufferer I am very concerned at the thought of the chemical and dust pollution."