Plans to build 90 homes on site of Telford care village

Ninety homes could be built in a scheme to demolish part of a care village in Telford.

Outline planning permission is being sought for land off Beech Road, Madeley, by Care Fund and Self Unlimited, a national charity which offers services for adults with learning difficulties.

However, the plans are being opposed by Gorge parish councillors who have major concerns about the scheme.

Care Fund and Self Unlimited want to partly demolish the existing Beech Spinney Care village and plant nursery and build 90 homes, three new-build bungalows designed to support people with additional needs and extend the existing care facility.

The plans also include relocation of the nursery on site to provide employment for people with learning disabilities.

Nigel Rose, director of fundraising and communications at Self Unlimited, said: "If this outline planning permission is granted, it will ensure we can continue to provide excellent accommodation.

However, parish councillors are so concerned they called for Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board to discuss the scheme rather than it go through using delegated powers.

At a meeting last night parish councillors said there would be traffic chaos.

Councillor Heather Oldershaw said the traffic assessment in the plans was 'incredibly conservative'.

Councillors are also concerned the development would fall within the Coalbrookdale Primary School catchment area which would not be able to cope.

Fears were also aired about drainage. Councillor Maureen Bragg saying the site would link into an existing Victorian drain system 'that just about copes now'.