Minister may have final say on plan for 120-homes in Newport
The secretary of state could have the final say on plans for 120 new homes in Newport which have been approved by councillors.
Telford & Wrekin's planning committee narrowly voted by five councillors to four to approve a contentious application for homes on land south of Springfield Industrial Estate, Station Road.
However, as part of the discussions on the application it was revealed that due to local concerns the National Planning Casework Unit (NPCU) had asked to be informed of the verdict.
The NPCU will now decide if the secretary of state will be asked to decide whether to approve the plans or not.
The land is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council, which would stand to receive a significant amount of money for the site if the scheme is given the green light.
A number of people spoke in opposition to the plans at the committee meeting, citing the site's removal from the previous local plan, the loss of some of Newport's last significant green space, and the ecological impact.
Councillor Tim Nelson, speaking on behalf of Newport Town Council, described it as a "land grab for 30 pieces of silver", and "deranged over-development".
He said: "The word objection does not cover the frustration and the anger that Telford & Wrekin council are setting out to conquer the last remaining green space in Newport."
He added: "Green land is precious and once it has gone it is gone."
Councillor Eric Carter also spoke in opposition to the plans.
He said: "I have lived in Newport since 1974 and I remember all the green fields we had around Newport and in 43 years they have nearly all disappeared and the little bit we have left is now going to go.
"Where are the people going to come from who use these houses? Where are the people going to work? How are they going to get out on the roads?"
He added: "We really must protect this green land. It is not right to just develop on every piece of land because we make it available."
Councillor Andrew Eade, leader of Telford & Wrekin council's Conservative group said: "This is being driven by a council as landowner purely to realise a multi-million pound asset."
Andy Gill of Modwen Developments, which is behind the plans, said that the land is not publicly accessible so residents would not be losing access to green space.
Committee member councillor Peter Scott said he did not see the need for the development.
He said: "We do not need these houses at the moment."
The application was approved and the NPCU will now be notified.
