Approval expected for 83 homes near ancient Oswestry hillfort in blow to campaigners
Plans for 83 homes to be built near Old Oswestry Hillfort look set to be approved in what will be a major blow to campaigners.
Residents, councillors, heritage organisations and North Shropshire’s MP have all warned that the new development off Whittington Road would “devastate” the setting of the nationally significant monument, which dates back to the Iron Age.
The scheme was refused last year but the site’s proximity to the hillfort was not cited in that decision, with Shropshire Council planners instead listing a series of environmental, highways, drainage and noise matters which it said there was not enough information on.
The plans were re-submitted in January by Cameron Homes, which had absorbed the previous applicant company Galliers Homes.
Planning officers have now said the previous reasons for refusal have been addressed and that permission should be granted for the houses to go up – but the final decision rests with the council’s Northern Planning Committee.
A report by case officer Philip Mullineux says Helen Morgan MP, Oswestry Town Council and 128 members of the public objected to the re-submitted plans.
