Shropshire affordable homes bid is revealed
Plans have been put forward for affordable homes in Shropshire by a council-owned housing organisation, thanks in part to a £800,000 Government grant.
Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing wants to build homes in Oswestry, Gobowen and West Felton as part of wider plans to provide 62 affordable properties in the county by March 2015.
Applications have also been made for new homes at Babbinswood, St Martins, Whittington, Maesbury Marsh and Ruyton-XI-Towns. In total 27 affordable homes will be built in the Oswestry area if planning approval is given.
The building project has been made possible thanks to £814,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency for 25 low-cost homes for sale on a shared ownership basis and 37 homes for rent in Shropshire.
Among the proposals are four homes earmarked for Hammonds Place in Gobowen, currently used for garages. A design statement says: "The neighbouring properties will not have a significant reduction in amenity by the proposed change.
"In terms of housing need, Shropshire Homepoint has identified that within the Selattyn and Gobowen Parish there is a positive local need for two-bed housing."
The statement said it was planned to build four two-bedroom homes arranged in a terrace after the garages were demolished.
The statement adds during a public consultation event to discuss the affordable home plans, residents were able to ask questions about the plans.
Concerns were raised about the loss of garages and the building of a boundary fence.
The statement said alternative garages would be offered in Gobowen and, where required, boundary fencing will be replaced to ensure security.
The application for West Felton would see three homes built at The Willows which is currently used for parking and for garages.
The plans would see one wheelchair accessible bungalow built alongside two three-bedroomed homes.
A design statement for those plans says: "Nearby in the locality, there are garages un-let as well as recycling facilities which can be utilised when provision at the Willows is removed.
"In terms of housing need, Shropshire Homepoint has identified that within the West Felton Parish there is a need for two and three bed housing."
Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision on the applications by June 17.
