Shrewsbury pub beer garden homes plan is turned down after being previously approved

The scheme was first put forward to councillors back in February to turn the garden behind The Inn on the Green, in Radbrook, into an apartment block, and members of Shropshire Council's central planning committee agreed to grant it permission.

But when the local authority failed to prove it had displayed a site notice at the land off Calverton Way, the scheme went back before councillors in May, where they said they were minded to refuse the proposal.

After the site notice was displayed, a petition against the plans gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Members did not come up with full reasons why they wanted to refuse it and the decision was deferred until Thursday. At this week's meeting, held at Shirehall, members decided to go against officer recommendations and refused the scheme.

In a report before committee members, case officer Mared Rees said: "Officers remain of the opinion that there are insufficient valid planning reasons to substantiate members change in resolution for the scheme.

"The scheme has not altered in any way since members resolved to grant approval on February 4, and the reasoning for officer recommendation for approval has already previously been set out."

The proposal includes building on the current beer garden and relocating the facility to a smaller site.

Councillor Miles Kenny, who represents the Underdale area of Shrewsbury, said: "Had permission been granted as it was then, I suspect that the objectors would have had grounds for a judicial review. That means the process we went through was wrong."

But Councillor Dean Carroll, who represents Bagley, said: "I have severe difficulties for accepting that the reasons put forward for refusal are strong enough."

Members voted on the proposal and it was refused on the basis that the lossof the garden would not protect or enhance the existing facilities and amenities that contribute to the quality of life for residents.