Land in Wem earmarked for 25 houses is sold

The land at Roden Grove, which is on the market with a guide price of £850,000, has outline planning permission for up to 25 homes.

The application sparked a campaign by a group of residents living nearby who feared the scheme would exacerbate existing flooding problems.

More than 460 people also signed a petition opposing the plans when they were unveiled.

The plans were approved behind closed doors by Shropshire Council in 2015.

It prompted an angry response, and more than 40 residents attended a meeting of Wem Town Council to voice their displeasure that the planning application was approved without being discussed at a planning committee meeting.

But Shropshire Council has always insisted it had done nothing wrong by allowing permission for the homes to be built.

Archaeologist and campaigner Dr George Nash said: "The development land at the end of Roden Grove appears to be sold subject to contract. The fight to save this piece of river meadow land continues with vigour.

"Let's hope the developer sees sense when the geotechnical test pits reveal that the water-table is not too far from the surface of the field and is unfit to build upon. It would appear that the Environment Agency are also concerned."

The site is on the market with agents Berrys which says: "This edge of town site provides a excellent development opportunity for up to 25 houses within approximately 3.81 acres (1.54ha). The site has excellent communication links to the surrounding area and benefits from rural views over north Shropshire.

"Access to the site is off Roden Grove. The purchaser will be responsible for the creation of the new access as agreed in the outline planning permission.

"The purchaser will be responsible for satisfying and discharging all planning conditions contained within the planning permission. They will be responsible for making the Community Infrastructure Levy and Affordable Housing payment to Shropshire Council."

Details of the potential buyer have not yet been revealed.

This week it was revealed sites for more than 250 new homes need to be identified in Wem over the next 20 years as part of Shropshire Council's Local Plan.

The plan, which has been produced to help identify new housing and employment development across the county in the future, says 67 homes have already been built in Wem and a further 281 have been allocated as housing sites or have planning permission but have not yet been built.