New home plans for building hit by lorry in Market Drayton

The Fox, which lay on the busy A41 in Shakeford, near Market Drayton, was seriously damaged when a lorry crashed into the side of the building in July last year.

The building later had to be demolished after the incident and owners now hope to create a new home, with developers hoping to set it further back from the road.

In the plans put forward to Shropshire Council, agent Neil Condliffe, on behalf of applicant Ashley Holford, said The Fox had been a Grade II-listed 18th century home before the crash.

He said: "This proposed development arises through unfortunate forced circumstances.

"The existing premises known as the Fox Inn, which was set immediately alongside the adjacent A41 trunk road was struck by vehicle impact.

"The damage sustained was such that it was determined by the Authority that the remaining structure was dangerous and had to be demolished. The applicant acceded to this request but now seeks a replacement dwelling."

The crash led to a police investigation after it was thought a second lorry was involved which failed to stop.

The A41 was closed between Hinstock and Tern Hill for two days and emergency crews worked to shore up the building and make it safe, with wooden supports and scaffolding brought in to keep it stable.

The lorry driver, in his 50s, escaped with leg injuries and was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital following the crash.

Mr Condliffe added: "The dwelling being replaced was itself of a fine scale.

"That former dwelling had recently been substantially upgraded and refurbished. It is recognised that the replacement cannot be on the same site because of the obvious safety considerations arising from the manner in which the former dwelling was destroyed.

"The proposal is therefore set back into the site to a point where the linear nature of the site broadens out. It is set at the first realistic point that the dwelling can be sited close to the highway."

As part of the application for the new home, a statement on the former building's history and heritage has been put forward.

In the report, CJR Heritage Services said: "The accident illustrated the changed nature of the use of the adjacent highway with fast moving heavy goods vehicles passing very close to a structure built in the 18th century when the horse and cart was the mainstay of road traffic.

"Fox House was typical of many late 18th century small classical villa type farm houses which emerged from the expansion of dairy farming on the north Shropshire plain serving the expanding populations of Midland cities."

The plans are available to view on the Shropshire Council website.