Controversial Telford homes plan gets go-ahead

Plans for the one and two bedroom apartments and one bedroom houses at the junction of Alexandra Road and Haygate Road in Wellington were discussed by Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee on Wednesday night.

The proposals came before the committee for a second time after the application was deferred at a previous meeting.

Work is now expected to start in January after five members of the committee voted for the plans and four voted against, during the meeting at the Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington.

The site is immediately next to the Haygate pub on Haygate Road, a popular rock music venue.

Thousands of people who know and love the pub had signed a petition against the plans when they were first put forward.

The petition was launched by staff at the Haygate in Wellington, known in Telford as being the home of rock music, with hundreds of bands playing there over the years.

Customers showed solidarity with the venue, on Haygate Road, after plans were submitted for houses at the rear of the building, which they said could prevent it from being a music venue in the future.

Speaking at the planning meeting, Councillor Peter Scott said he could see no reason to turn the plans down.

He said people would have a choice whether they wanted to move into a property near a pub.

He added: "The idea of 25 per cent affordable housing is very, very good."

Councillor Nicola Lowery said the design of the scheme was "too simplistic".

Councillor Nigel Dugmore said the site was "perfect for development but not what is proposed".

Councillor Ian Fletcher, who voted against the plans, said the design was like "an immigration deportation centre".

He added: "It's very poorly designed. I really can't support on those grounds."

A total of 27 objections had been received from residents, with the majority relating to the impact the development may have upon the Haygate pub.

It is proposed that 12, one bedroom homes will be created in three, two storey blocks each containing four dwellings.

The other 12 units would be provided in an apartment block of six, two bedroom units and six, one bedroom units.

A total of six of the one bedroom dwelling homes will then be managed by affordable housing provider Severnside, with four homes for social rent and two homes for shared ownership purchase.

The plans had been recommended for approval by officers.