Telford pub demolition given go ahead

Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee has given the go-ahead to the knocking down of The Wrens Nest in Wrens Nest Lane, Ketley, to make way for nine homes with garages.

The plans had returned to committee after being deferred to have a look at the parking situation.

Councillor Joy Francis, for Ketley and Overdale ward, said that over the years landlords at the pub had kindly let patents taking children to and from the nearby Meadows Primary School use the car park at the pub – but with the loss of the pub that would be lost too, meaning dropping children off close to school would be trickier for some.

She said: "My objection is on the grounds of the safety of children walking to and from school.

"Please could we have a commitment from officers to look at a turning circle to drop off children – I'm sure this would be a win-win situation."

An officers report said that there was no requirement on the developer to provide public parking and the suggestion land earmarked for a play area in the plans be used for this had been rejected as "unsuitable".

However, the developers had agreed to give over a strip of land to the council who will turn it into a pedestrian access, and pay £5,609.05 towards the maintenance of that path.

Officers also assured they would look into a turning point and monitor the knock on-effect of the loss of pub parking to make sure the traffic and pedestrian safety was dealt with.

Committee member Councillor Peter Scott said that by letting parents use the pub car park with the best of intentions, previous landlords had created a problem as it meant school traffic had not been properly looked at and catered for.

But, he said, he was "disappointed" developers of the planned houses had not been more forthcoming with a solution.

"It's a pity the developer couldn't listen to local people and be a bit more helpful," he said.

Four two storey semi-detached houses with separate garages and five detached houses with garages will be built on the site of the pub.

Each plot will have front and back gardens with timber fencing.