Highways have 'no objection' to British Ironwork Centre plans

Highways officers have said owners at the British Ironwork Centre cannot continue with a partially built access point onto the B5009 unless they can demonstrate to planning officers that there is suitable visibility.

However, they maintain they have no objection to the plan as a whole.

The owner of the popular attraction near Oswestry is waiting to find out whether he will be granted retrospective planning permission for the busy centre. Last year it was revealed Clive Knowles bypassed planning laws and expanded the site to accommodate a royal visit.

Highways have said access to the B5009 between Queens Head and Whittington should be permanently closed.

On a site visit on April 10, officers noted that vehicular access had been "substantially completed".

A report to Shropshire Council, which will have the final say on the plans, added: "At the time it was temporarily blocked with advertising materials. In view of the observed vehicle speeds on the B5009 at this location it is considered that in the interests of highway safety the use of this access should be prevented.

"This access also appeared on a previous drawing along with a substantial parking area which suggests that there is an intention for vehicular access to be provided from the B5009 at this location. This access is not, however, supported by any further details or information within the accompanying Highways Statement, which deals solely with the improved access arrangements to the A5."

It adds that the access point would be unlikely to meet visibility standards for the existing speed limit on the road.

Mr Knowles is also seeking permission to create a host of new tourist attractions including a miniature railway, crazy golf course, outdoor theatre and a Capability Brown garden.

If successful, it would also see buildings for a cafe, farm shop, cycle museum, youth support enterprise centre, mini-station, engine shed, greenhouses and a nature observatory.