Houses plan approved despite farmer's concern
New houses could make a lane “dangerous”, as parked cars could create blind spots putting children at risk from passing lorries and tractors, a neighbouring farmer has warned.
PSL Building Services applied to split a bungalow on Barrack Lane, Lilleshall, into two homes and add two new houses on its half-acre grounds.
Telford and Wrekin’s Planning Committee voted 5-1 to grant permission.
PSL planning agent Andrew Williams said the blueprints complied with policies but also offered to move the new houses back “a couple of feet” to provide more parking space.
But Philip Hill – who runs nearby New House Farm – said the homes’ design left “no physical or psychological barrier to stop children or pets wandering onto the road”.
A statement submitted ahead of the meeting by Mr Williams, of Advance Land and Planning Ltd, said the existing bungalow was “in a ‘tired’ condition and in need of upgrading and refurbishment”.
He added that the new houses would have four parking spaces each and the newly-split bungalows would have two each.
Mr Williams told councillors: “The scheme provides ample parking in accordance with the council’s standards, but, if necessary, there is scope to set plots one and two back a couple of feet to provide even more generous on-plot parking spaces.”
This offer was accepted by officers and the committee.
“The new drive openings will also provide a useful refuge for pedestrians from passing vehicles, which pass at low speed,” Mr Williams added.
He said the house designs had been negotiated with council officers and found to be consistent with the area, albeit with a “more contemporary design and appearance”.
Church Aston and Lilleshall councillor Andrew Eade objected to the proposal, saying he was concerned about over development and the impact “on what is a surprisingly narrow lane which also provides pedestrian access to the Hutchinson Way”.
Mr Hill, who runs New House Farm with his wife Wendy, said: “We’re not opposed to the site being developed, and look forward to welcoming new families into our community, but these plans are not safe.
“This plot is being divided into too many properties, too close to a narrow, privately-owned road, creating a restricted parking area with poor visibility.
“Closely-parked cars will hide a child so a passing motorist will have little chance of avoiding a collision if that child runs into the road.
“Our business requires the current easy access for large lorries and agricultural vehicles to be maintained at all times.
“More importantly, health and safety is a big issue in agriculture. It is a deadly industry. We are acutely aware of and try to anticipate and avoid dangerous situations.
“The large properties proposed are family homes. Once out of the front door there is no protection, no physical or psychological barrier, to stop children or pets wandering onto the road. Today’s tractors are large, often pulling a trailer, and, for the driver at close quarters, there are many blind spots.
“These plans are not safe and they need radical revising.”
