Ellesmere depot site future to be discussed
Deciding what happens to a depot has been made a priority for the coming year, after campaigners fought to protect it from being developed.
Shropshire Council's Outdoor Partnerships Team has revealed that coming up with options for Swan Hill Depot in Ellesmere will be a "key activity" for the service, with suggestions it could be used to generate a fresh income stream.
The site had been subject to an application to protect the area as an important community asset, but that was turned down by the local authority.
In an annual report for 2016/17 to go to Shropshire Council's Great Outdoors Strategy Board next week, it listed the site as needing an "options analysis" – a process for considering the range of strategic options available for an investment.
The report suggests the site could be used in plans to create further income streams for the local authority as Government funding cuts continue.
It said: "Income generation will continue to be a key activity of the Service, with a target of £400,000 in 2017/18.
"In addition to existing activity, the following is planned - a new wood fuel business, development of a charitable foundation, an extension to the Visitor Centre at Severn Valley Country Park, options analysis for Swan Hill Depot at Ellesmere, consultation on introducing car parking charges on key sites, and opportunities for business advertising on Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website."
Ellesmere Town Council had its application to protect the area turned down, as the county council claimed an asset could only be listed if its principal use boosts the “community’s social well-being or social interests”.
Shropshire Council said the depot site had been mainly used as offices and workshops accommodation for the unitary authority however the town council claimed it was used for community purposes for a period of more than 35 years.
An online poll showed about 50 people in Ellesmere were in support of the town council’s bid to protect the site around The Mere, with just one against it.
The site had also been subject to a planning application put forward by CMS JAW Ltd to build up to nine homes near to the cemetery at Swan Hill.
However, councillors refused planning permission for the homes. But CMS JAW Ltd appealed against the council’s decision and submitted an appeal to the Government Planning Inspectorate which has now been thrown out.
The annual report will be discussed at a meeting of Shropshire's Great Outdoors Strategy Board next Thursday from 10am at Shirehall.
