Ellesmere 112-home plan recommended for approval

The proposal to create 112 homes south of The Hawthorns are set to be discussed by Shropshire Council's north planning committee on Tuesday.

The proposal involves building 111 two-storey houses and one bungalow on the outskirts of the town.

Outline planning permission was granted by Shropshire Council in February 2015, where details of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale were all reserved for later approval.

This reserved matters application was originally submitted in December 2015 and proposed 130 homes.

But after lengthy negotiations with planning officers to improve the design and layout of the development, the number of properties has now been reduced to 112.

Shropshire Council has received 30 letters from residents who have raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure, impact on schools and doctors, and the increase in traffic.

Ellesmere Town Council has also objected to the proposal after raising concerns about the location of trees compared to the proposed properties in the development.

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Mark Perry says: "The principle for residential development and its means of access has already been agreed as part of the outline planning consent.

"It is considered by officers that the proposed design and layout of the scheme will respect the semi-rural character of the area and not detrimentally impact upon the amenities of any neighbours.

"The proposed accesses will provide safe access for highway users and the scheme includes adequate off street car parking and manoeuvring space."

A statement on behalf of the applicant says: "The amended drawings represent a significantly improved design of scheme, which we trust will be welcomed and which will meet the approval of the local planning authority.

"The reduction in the number of houses has allow for greater areas of open space around the existing trees and neighbouring properties.

"The site is in a sustainable location with a wide range of services and facilities within walking distance.

"The scheme protects the natural environment, with no adverse impact on existing trees and provides additional planting, bird and bat boxes to benefit wildlife.

"The existing trees have been designed to be harmonious into the development with the areas of open space and gardens providing suitable buffer zones."

Shropshire Council's north planning committee will meet at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Tuesday at 2pm.