Homes plan backed behind former Market Drayton pub despite petition

Members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee yesterday approved the proposals for the development on land behind the former Talbot Hotel, on Newcastle Road.

The decision, in line with recommendations from the council's planning officers, came following a string of objections fearing it could stop any reopening of the pub, including a petition of more than 250 signatures.

Councillor Roy Aldcroft spoke for the Market Drayton East ward and told the committee it was a highly controversial plan for the town.

He said: "The Canal and River Trust is against it, the town council is against it, and there have been more than 70 letters of objection, I can't honestly support it.

"There are no other terraced houses within the immediate site or this area. It just doesn't lend itself to this side of the canal bridge.

"Also, it would seriously affect the potential for expansion of the boat yard and the pub."

The plans, which were put forward by Meynell Developments Limited, will see the homes built to the back of the Talbot Hotel, with its west border adjoining the boundary for the Market Drayton Canal Basin Conservation Area.

The land used to be owned by the same owner as the former pub, The Talbot Hotel, and was previously used as parking. However the land has since been split, and is no longer under ownership of the pub owners.

Concerns had been raised that the development would take away seven car parking spaces from the pub, potentially making it unviable to restore as a hotel and inn.

However, officers said that since the two are no longer under the same ownership, the car parking spaces would not belong to the pub – regardless of the outcome of the application.

Councillor Vince Hunt said: "This is clearly an emotive building and is one that is currently closed.

"We have to take decisions based on the here and now, I understand the concerns about car parking, but it has been explained to us.

"It is no longer part of the pub car park, it probably will not go back to being a pub car park, no matter what we decide."

Other concerns had been raised about the siting of septic tanks nearby. However Shropshire Council planning officer Tim Rogers said that this was not a planning concern and instead would have to be sorted out with building regulations further down the line.

Some residents said that the houses would be too dense for the area, or overlook other homes nearby, but agents agreed to impose a condition on the type of window used in the upper floors to restrict views over other homes.

Councillor Joyce Barrow added: "I do find this is finely balanced. My heart goes out to the residents, I do understand where they are coming from.

"But all the concerns have been responded to and answered and I feel the balance is weighted to the officer's recommendation."

The committee voted to approve the plans, with one member voting against the proposals.