Appeal to replace historic Bridgnorth building with flats is dismissed
Developers have lost an appeal to replace one of Bridgnorth’s most historic buildings, which was devastated by fire.
Controversial plans for 55 retirement flats on the site of the former William Williams builders merchant in Innage Lane were originally turned down, prompting an appeal against Shropshire Council’s decision.
The plans by Churchill Retirement Living would have transformed the site of the 19th century Innage Lea, which was significantly damaged during an arson attack late in 2016.
But planning inspector Gareth Thomas has now dismissed the appeal saying it would "fail to respect or enhance the quality, character and distinctiveness of the area".
A notice issuing the decision says: "In turn it would be out of kilter and cause significant and demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the local area.
"Furthermore it would not enhance or better reveal the significance of either the Innage Gardens Conservation Area or Bridgnorth Conservation Area that I have identified and in this regard, I find that that the development would harm the settings of both conservation areas."
It says that although the housing would bring a number of benefits, it would not outweigh the harm which would be caused to the setting.
A second application for 49 flats – which was submitted as an “alternative option” to the appeal by developer Churchill Retirement Living in June – has also been refused by Shropshire Council.
Bridgnorth Civic Society has consistently opposed the development, saying it would be inappropriate to demolish the period buildings on the site and lose part of Bridgnorth’s heritage.
Bridgnorth town councillor David Cooper, also a member of the civic society, said: "Two schemes have now been rejected.
"I would assume that some other proposals will come forward in due course and I hope that they will take on board they need to be appropriate for the setting."
Shropshire Council originally turned down the plans for 55 homes for reasons of scale and design and said that it failed to "attribute sufficient importance to the historic significance of the site and its existing heritage asset".
Developers previously said they were confident of a positive appeal decision and believed it was "an acceptable high quality design" which would help provide much needed housing for older people in the Bridgnorth area.
In November, three teenagers were sentenced for the parts they played in an arson attack on the historic building.
Telford Magistrates Court heard that Innage Lea, which was set alight on December 4, 2016, had been used as a meeting place for youths and was known locally as the “crack house”.
The blaze caused £100,000 worth of damage.
It ravaged the building in Innage Lane and was “extremely upsetting” for residents living nearby, the court was told.
Two 14-year-old boys and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, each pleaded guilty to arson.
Magistrates gave each of the three teenagers, all from Bridgnorth, a nine-month referral order, meaning they will have to work with the young offending team.
