Go-ahead likely for homes at former council HQ site despite 'serious concerns'

The proposals to build 31 homes at the former headquarters of Bridgnorth District Council in Westgate were deferred by Shropshire Council's southern planning committee at a meeting in October due to concerns over a lack of green space, loss of trees, visual impact and traffic issues.

A revised application with a new layout for 30 homes and a garden has since been submitted by South Staffordshire Housing Association (SSHA), and planning officers have recommended it for approval when it goes before the committee on January 19.

But included in the objections to the plans, Bridgnorth Town Council said a number of its concerns relating to the scale of the development and highways issues were still not addressed.

A statement from the council said: "Bridgnorth Town Council objects to the amended plans on the grounds that it is an over development of the site (insufficient public open space for compliance with policy MD2) and that it still does not address our concerns that there are a large number of access points directly onto Ludlow Road and that vehicles joining Ludlow Road from those properties may end up reversing out of their driveways."

The council added: "While the proposed development would allow a much needed redevelopment of a derelict brownfield site and contribute to the vitality of the town centre (by virtue of it being in such close proximity to the main shopping area), Bridgnorth Town Council has three major areas of concern.

"The effects on traffic and its unacceptable impact on highway safety – this area of Ludlow Road experiences high traffic levels during peak times; being on a main route into the town and to primary schools in the area.

"We have serious concerns regarding visibility for road users and residents of the proposed and neighbouring properties in such close proximity to a busy junction.

"Inappropriate density – the density of the site appears to be completely out of character with adjoining properties and changes the vista significantly; the area is currently very open and light as are the vast majority of properties in the vicinity.

"Insufficient regard for achieving sustainable development – we would expect Shropshire Council to insist on specification of a suitable low energy approach, capable of net zero carbon emissions by 2030 at the latest."

It comes after the site was snapped up last year by SSHA as part of efforts to regenerate the land.

The former Bridgnorth District Council offices were closed when Shropshire Council formed 12 years ago.