Shrewsbury councillors to study latest Copthorne Barracks housing plans

The news comes after a reserved matters application was submitted by Bellway Homes for the finer details of the plan, which would see 218 homes built on the land of the former home of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

Plans were submitted by the MoD to demolish a number of the compound’s buildings, including the officers’ mess, to make way for a housing development of 228 homes and 45 retirement apartments. Outline permission was given by Shropshire Council last year.

The scheme was met with opposition from a number of quarters, including former soldiers who were dismayed at the thought that the military links with the town would be eradicated. They made requests for part of the site to be made available to veterans and their families.

Some of the changes that have been made to the final layout from the approved outline include the provision of a loop in the main road, and the existing trees on the western boundary have been included in open space which is overlooked by dwellings.

Of the homes, 209 would be houses and the Keep would be converted into nine apartments.

Variation

If approved, there would be one, two, three and four-bedroom properties which are detached, semi-detached and terraced buildings, of which 43 will be affordable.

The plans add: "Buildings will be designed to have a variation in their height to ensure a varied roofline across the development.

"A mix of wide and narrow plan forms will be used, allowing for greater variation along the street.

"This application proposes to create high-quality family housing set within areas of newly created public open space along with landscaping and parking."

Vehicles will be able to access the site off Copthorne Road.

There are now 28 comments objecting to the fresh detailed plans on Shropshire Council's website.

Shrewsbury Town Council's planning committee will receive a presentation on the plans at its next meeting on Tuesday, and will be considered by Shropshire Council in the coming months.

Copthorne Barracks was built between built between 1877 and 1881 for the War Office - subsequently the Ministry of Defence - and includes a range of military buildings, single living accommodation, sports and welfare buildings, parade ground, playing field and associated structures.