Firm's Tern Hill relocation plans set for approval

Shropshire Council's planning officers believe the proposal submitted by Tony Hamer And Sons Ltd to relocate to the site of the former station in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, should be given the go ahead.

But the plans have come under fire from residents and parish councillors who have raised concerns about the impacts on traffic, access and pollution.

The council has also received five letters of support from people who have welcomed the re-use of a derelict site.

It comes ahead of the council's north planning committee meeting, which will meet on Tuesday in Shirehall, Shrewsbury, to discuss the plans.

The firm, which specialises in the haulage of all types of products such as sand, gravel and compost, said it wants to move from its existing premises between residential properties on Newcastle Road, Market Drayton, to a more "suitable" site.

The proposed relocation is expected to create about four new jobs.

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Richard Denison states: "The proposed development is acceptable in principle and will allow a long established redundant site to be utilised for employment purposes which will provide sustainable economic development, providing local employment opportunities and assist in providing a prosperous community.

"The proposed workshop and amenity building will be sympathetic to this rural location and will not result in any detrimental impact on the character of the local area or impact on the landscape character.

"The proposed operations on site and deliveries will not result in any significant detrimental impact on the amenities of local residents and safeguarding conditions are proposed to limit the intensity of operations.

"The proposed vehicular access onto the main A53 provides adequate visibility in both directions for emerging vehicles."

Documents submitted in support of the application state: "This application is for the erection of a 300sqm building for employment related purposes, with associated use of the land as a haulage yard with external storage.

"The site has past history for rail and road haulage purposes, and has two existing derelict buildings on site that will be demolished as part of the proposals.

"The proposed development makes good use of this brownfield site."

The recommendation is that the application be delegated to the council's head of planning services for approval, subject to conditions.