600-home Shrewsbury housing development could get go-ahead

In a last minute concession, applicants Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes have lowered the number of houses to be built at Weir Hill, off Preston Street, in the first phase from 250 to 225.

But their move has been called an ‘insult’ by the local Shropshire Council member.

The matter was set to be discussed by members of the council’s central planning committee today.

Objectors to the proposed housing development are concerned that access for construction traffic to the site off Preston Street will be an issue and are demanding that a new access road be built.

The developers had suggested that access off London Road would be triggered once 365 homes were built, this was then reduced to 250.

Residents in Preston Street have argued that both roads should be created from the start of the build to cut down on disruption.

Members of the council’s planning committee met in November and deferred a decision despite planning officers recommending it for approval.

A letter sent to the council this week by Jason Tait, director of Planning Prospects representing the developers, said: “My clients have listened to concerns raised by members and local people regarding the number of proposed dwellings being served off Preston Street and the level of associated traffic prior to delivery of the London Road link as a second access for the development.

“Through the application process, you will recall that my clients have previously responded to member and resident feedback that the original trigger value was excessive.

“This despite the lack of technical argument to justify that any reduction was required.

“We understand that this reduction continues to be a sensitive matter and we are keen to move forward positively and work alongside members and local residents in the delivery of this development.

“My clients wish to be seen as responding to local concerns and on that basis they have evaluated matters further and are prepared to offer a further reduction in the number of dwellings served from a single point of access off Preston Street to 225; with no more than 250 properties under construction until the London Road link is available for public use.”

Councillor Hannah Fraser, who represents the Abbey ward said the reduction was a ‘paltry amount’.

“It is an insult really,” she said. “This huge development needs further consideration. I think that the concerns that have been raised have not been properly addressed. It is an enormous site and now is the time to get it right. It does not begin to touch the concerns of residents about construction traffic. It is bonkers what they are trying to do.”