Anger over backing for new homes plan

The homes will be built on land off Roden Grove in Wem after planning officers at Shropshire Council gave the project their blessing.

But it has prompted an angry response, and more than 40 residents attended a meeting of Wem Town Council to voice their displeasure that the planning application was approved without being discussed at a planning committee meeting.

More than 460 people signed a petition opposing the plans when they were unveiled by developers Berrys in June last year. Neighbours say the land is a problem site for flooding, and said their own gardens were often covered in surface water for weeks on end, while fears have also been raised about potential sewage and traffic problems.

But planning officers at Shirehall have approved the plan using delegated powers.

Resident Roger Dakin, speaking at the town council meeting, said: "Planning permission has been agreed and has taken place out of committee. It is a blatant disregard of public feelings.

"The council has not followed due process."

Pauline Dee, Shropshire councillor for Wem, said: "I sent an email to officers on December 4 asking this goes to committee.

"I had the surprise of my life when I found out we weren't consulted.

"I am furious. It seems anything goes. I don't see why this has gone through."

Councillor Chris Mellings, who also represents the town at Shirehall, told residents that there was a strong sense of anger about the decision.

He said: "We all have a strong sense of anger, concern and disappointment. It is rejecting local democracy.

"This application should have gone to committee.

"It is the wrong site for Wem. We want to encourage residents to email or write a letter to Shropshire Council about this.

"We want to try and persuade Shropshire Council to let this go to committee."

Developers Berrys deny that the site is in a flood zone and say building there will not have any effect on other properties.

Mike Sargeant's house backs onto Roden Grove. Speaking after the meeting he said the land was a known flood plain.

He said: "There are so many concerns about this application.

"The field is behind us and part of a flood plain. There were 450 signatures against the development.

"There are also traffic concerns and sewage issues. It is a recipe for disaster. The roads will not be able to take that amount of traffic. They were built in the 1960s intended for minimal traffic as not many people had cars then.

"The fact this has been settled out of committee is not right. It has been pushed through without listening to us.

"The fields by Roden Grove have been supplied with sand bags in the past due to the massive flooding issues in the area."

Maria Jones, spokeswoman for Shropshire Council, said: "Approval by the planning officer has been granted subject to completion of a S106 Agreement.

"At this stage therefore the decision has not been formally issued."