Shrewsbury homes plan attracts further objections

More than 100 people have signed a petition against the proposal for 600 houses to be built at Weir Hill, and now Shrewsbury Civic Society and Shropshire Wildlife Trust have given their opinions.

Taylor Wimpey and Permission are jointly applying for permission to build the estate in in two phases, with 360 homes in the first section. They plan to create a riverside park, open spaces, amenity land, footpaths and cycleways.

But objectors claim the proposed estate will lead to increased traffic, put a strain on the established infrastructure, including the local school and the GP practice, and lead to the disappearance of a large area of agricultural land.

They also say that construction traffic will place an unnecessary strain on surrounding roads.

Byron Grainger-Jones, chairman of Shrewsbury Civic Society has written to Shropshire Council objecting to the scheme on two fronts.

The society claim that traffic issues have not be resolved in the amended plans and the development has insufficient public and community facilities.

In his letter to the council, Mr Grainger-Jones said: "The current proposals for access to the site during the building of phase one are unacceptable. We believe construction traffic should not use Preston Street. Shrewsbury's long-term interests would be met better by a newly negotiated access route joining London Road near the college.

"While there is planned provision for green spaces and a small play area, little else is provided to encourage a sense of community."

Shropshire Wildlife Trust also has concerns over the scheme. In a letter to the council Robin Mager from the trust said: "While Shropshire Wildlife Trust welcomes the proposed Riverside Park as well as the retention of the majority trees and hedges within the site we do have some concerns relating to the proposals.

"In terms of green infrastructure it would be preferable if the entire Riverside Park, wildflower meadows to the south and pedestrian/cycle links to London Road are included in the initial phase.

"This would help the new residents develop an appreciation and sense of ownership of the natural areas from the outset as well as establishing sustainable choices of walking and cycling that may be harder to establish when routines based around driving have been adopted.

"It should be noted that the Riverside Park is not a new facility but an existing area of green space with significant ecological value and a well-used footpath."

Other objectors claim the road layout would create a rabbit run for motorists and cause problems for existing homeowners.

The planning application will be decided at a date to be set.