New footbridge ruled out over homes plan near Wem level crossing

Residents in Wem had initially hoped if plans were allowed for new homes to be built between Aston Road and Church Lane, then the applicant would contribute towards a new footbridge over the nearby railway crossing.

However the applicant, Mr and Mrs Broomhall, said they would not build a new pedestrian footbridge but instead contribute to improved road markings and traffic management.

Government planning inspector Ian Radcliffe heard the issues relating to the scheme for 50 homes at an appeal hearing at Shirehall.

The applicants launched the appeal after Shropshire Council turned down the application because of concerns with the impact on the town's level crossing, agricultural land, and facilities.

Mr Radcliffe asked: "Are the concerns to do with the busy railway line which is often closed and leads to congestion?"

Resident Dr George Nash told the hearing: "In rush hour there are nine train crossings and that is excluding freight. There are about 5,284 movements during that period across the crossing. It is a place where four or five roads converge and they cannot take any more traffic."

And Chris Mellings, Shropshire councillor for Wem, added: "Since the new signalling system was installed there have been a lot of problems with the software.

"It has led to a number of issues and long delays. Things have improved by the whole system is slow."

On behalf of the appellant, Helen Howie, of Berry's, said: "A transport statement was submitted and the highway authority raised no objection.

"The issues have been resolved with software updates.

"Network Rail removed the objection it had and a financial contribution is proposed to make improvements to the road marking and traffic management."

The plans were initially given the go-ahead at a meeting of the council's north planning committee in February last year, subject to planning conditions. But after changes to Shropshire Council's development plan – also known as SAMDev – the scheme was turned down.

The applicants say the homes would bring economic benefits to the town, but those in opposition are concerned about the extra traffic it would generate and the effect it will have on the town's existing infrastructure.

Pauline Dee, Shropshire councillor for Wem, raised concerns about the impact it would have on services such as the doctor surgery and school.

"The school is full. About 35/40 children have to travel to a school outside of the town and that is near capacity. It currently takes about four weeks to get an appointment at the doctor's surgery and that is very full as well."

Mrs Howie added: "The site is in walking distance of the main services and facilities in the town. It is in a sustainable location.

"Shops have been closing in Wem so this development will help economically."

Mr Radcliffe is expected to make a decision about the appeal over the next weeks.