Ellesmere campaigners praised in fight against 68 homes
A Shropshire councillor has praised those involved in a lengthy planning row against plans to build 68 homes near a Shropshire beauty spot.
Campaigners in Ellesmere, including residents and town councillors, have been fighting for more than three years against plans to build 68 homes on a housing estate just off Teal Drive in Ellesmere.
Last month a planning inquiry took place in Oswestry and was the latest episode in a battle that has been discussed in a council chamber, a planning inquiry and a courtroom.
Speaking at Ellesmere town council, Councillor Ann Hartley referred to the thoroughness of the appeal hearing that took place in Oswestry council chamber and said the decision could go either way.
She said: “The style was an informal open meeting, with members of the public.
"It was well run with a clear agenda and was a fair investigation."
The original planning application was first turned down by Shropshire Council due to fears the development would add to traffic and parking problems, as well as harming the landscape.
The appeal was then referred to a government planning inspector, who approved the plans on the basis that Ellesmere has not yet met its five year housing land supply. A point which Shropshire council deny.
The council then took this to the High Court, where Mrs Justice Lang confirmed that the planning inspector’s ruling was unlawful.
A new inquiry by a Government planning inspector was ordered in order to make a final decision.
Mrs Hartley praised the government inspector David Cullingford, and the way the meeting was handled.
She added: "Clearly he did his homework. He visited the wharf; he went into gardens visiting residents it was clear he had really listened to us.
“The officers should be congratulated.
"The meeting struck the right balance, and ticked all the right boxes.
"Shropshire Council could not have done anymore."
Developers behind the Teal Drive scheme, Developers David Wilson Homes says the new houses would bring much-needed affordable housing to Ellesmere and an injection of about £350,000 in housing levy to the town.
Under the plans there would be two one-bedroom properties, two two-bedroom properties and three three-bedroom properties and these would be split between shared and rented housing.
However, councillors and residents said the development would add to traffic problems and the town had more than adequate housing provision in its preferred option sites including Hawthorn Drive, the Railway Yard and the Wharf development.
A decision will be made before the end of the month.
