Jobs to be created as Market Drayton business park expansion is approved

Three separate planning applications for the new buildings at have been given the green light by Shropshire Council, while a fourth application for a restaurant is yet to be decided.

The proposals for the final part of phase two of the business park will fill in the land between the existing units and the open space known as Damson Wood, which is itself subject to a controversial application for 97 homes.

Developer Redstart Construction Ltd says the latest plans will create jobs and “assist the economic health of Market Drayton”.

The three applications which have now been approved were all supported by Market Drayton Town Council and received no objections from members of the public.

The planning officers’ report on the day nursery said: “It is considered that the proposed development will complement and support new and existing businesses on the industrial site as well as providing a valuable facility for local residents.

“The proposal will also create employment opportunities in the locality.

“It is therefore considered that the proposal will assist in making the Tern Valley Business Park a more attractive location for businesses to locate which supports the aims and objectives of planning policies.”

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Plans show the nursery, restaurant and a large business unit will be constructed to the front of the site with the remaining smaller buildings further back.

The site will be accessed from the existing turning off Shrewsbury Road, and parking will be provided for each unit. There will also be a footpath linking to existing residential areas.

Approval of the plans has been welcomed by campaigners fighting to save the green space immediately to the east of the business park.

Elliott Powell lives at nearby Sherwood Crescent and co-founded a group opposing the Damson Wood development.

“I think the nursery is a really good idea and it’s needed for the area,” he said.

“Hopefully it’s not going to destroy any of the trees, and we hope the nursery uses Damson Wood – for education, for visits.

“It is good publicity for Damson Wood because in the summer they can use it.”

However, he said that if a fast food restaurant is brought to that side of town it would be “an absolute disaster”, with concerns about litter and light pollution.

The restaurant plans, which have received seven objections but are supported by the town council, will be decided by Shropshire Council in due course.