Shrewsbury's Dana Prison: Plans recommended for approval - for the second time
The redevelopment of Shrewsbury's Dana Prison could finally be approved after planning officers gave the scheme their backing – for the second time.
Officers have recommended that members grant the scheme outline planning permission, which could mean an end to months of stalemate for the developer.
A previous plan to redevelop the site was turned down by Shropshire Council last year over concerns regarding a lack of parking and over development.
News of the recommendation has been cautiously welcomed by developer Trevor Osborne.
The plans, which included a walled garden, a gym, restaurant, and student and residential accommodation have been redesigned with alterations made to the traffic flow and increased parking.
At a recent meeting held between Mr Osborne, local councillor Alan Mosley, and residents living close to the Grade II listed building, the plans were welcomed in their revised form.
In a report which goes before the planning committee next Thursday, officers have said: "The current application represents a revised proposal that has taken into consideration the views expressed by committee members. As before, many of the buildings on the prison site will be retained and be converted to alternative uses, together with the removal of a series of modern additions and their replacement with new development."
Under the plans the Gatehouse, A Wing, B Wing, C Wing, D Wing, the prison kitchen, the education block and workshop building, the gymnasium and The Lancasterian School will be converted.
There would also be extensive landscaping and 91 car parking spaces would be created.
Mr Osborne said: "The scheme was previously recommended for approval and but was refused at committee stage. I hope that this time it will be granted approval. It has taken a long time to get to this. The public meeting we held with the local residents reassured them that the parking issue and traffic flow had been rethought. I now look forward to the result."
Councillor Mosley, who represents the Castlefields ward added: "I am pleased that Trevor Osborne has listened to local people here in Castlefields and amended his application very significantly to accommodate their highly justified objections to the original proposals.
"I generally agree with the officers' current evaluation and conclusions but recognise that there is still much work to be done as planning moves to the next stage of detail.
"However, close scrutiny will be needed to ensure that all conditions are applied with high quality design and execution together with sound management to ensure that any elements which may have a negative local impact are quickly and effectively addressed."
