Access for 41 homes plan set for approval

Planning bosses have recommended approval for reserved matters for the controversial housing estate off Whittington Road in Gobowen.

Shropshire Council's North Planning Committee will discuss the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, where members are expected to sign off on the final stage of the plans.

Residents have raised concerns that the access road to the proposed estate is too close to the entrance of the Derwen College.

But in a report prepared for the committee Shropshire Council case officer Mark Perry has deemed the plans acceptable, and dismissed concerns over visibility from the access.

He said: "The proposed design and layout will respect the rural character of the area and not detrimentally impact upon the amenities of any neighbours.

"The proposed access will provide adequate visibility in both directions for emerging vehicles and will not result in highway conditions detrimental to motorists or pedestrians.

"It is also considered that the access can function satisfactorily in conjunction with other existing and proposed accesses."

Outline planning permission for the development was granted in 2014.

The approval came despite strong objections from residents who raised concerns about the extra traffic, loss of countryside, and a lack of infrastructure to support the extra people moving into the area.

Dawn Collins was one who objected to the plans, arguing that local schools are already full.

She said: "I don't think the village needs a development of this size. The proposed houses will be targeted at families with children and the places at both local schools is already at capacity.

"I live next door but one to the proposed new estate and have grave concerns regarding the increase in traffic attempting to enter and exit the Derwen, the housing estate and all the homes along Whittington Road. Some days I can wait over five minutes to leave my drive at peak times."

She said the applicant has "grossly underestimated" the amount of cars that will be using the access.

The plans are for 41 homes that will each have a single garage and two car parking spaces.

The development is made up of two-bed terraced dwellings, three-bed semi-detached, three-bed detached, and four-bed detached homes.

Their sizes range from 60 square metres to 186 square metres.