Ironbridge housing scheme back on the planning agenda
The planning application for up to 1,000 homes at the site of the former Ironbridge Power Station will be back on the agenda at a Shropshire Council meeting next week.
A decision on the redevelopment of the site was deferred in June when members of Shropshire Council’s southern planning committee said they could not give the green light to the plans until more information was provided to justify the low proportion of affordable housing, transport issues and the provision of primary care facilities.
The committee, which meets on August 10, will be recommended to grant permission.
In his report, planning officer Tim Rogers said it is unfortunate that the scheme is unable to deliver a policy-compliant level of much-needed affordable housing.
"However, the substantial costs associated with remediating this complex previously developed site must be acknowledged," he added.
"Notwithstanding this, a viability review mechanism will apply, allowing any excess profit to be clawed back for use by the council with a priority for affordable housing."
The report said it is expected that five per cent of the traffic generated by the development would use the controversial Gaskell Arms junction and that funding could be included for a long term solution to the highway issue.
"A local liaison group covering the Gaskell Arms junction scheme should be formed, with representatives from the Town Council and the highway and planning authorities," it says.
The question of providing Primary Care Services was one being discussed with the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group. Funding could come from the community infrastructure levy imposed on the new development.
