Hearing to look at Wem homes bid

Developers have appealed to a government planning inspector to overturn Shropshire Council's decision to throw out the scheme to create the homes at the junction with Church Lane and Soulton Road.

The hearing, which will allow all parties to state their case before a final decision is made, will start from 10am on August 16 at the Council Chamber in Oswestry.

The unitary authority, which used delegated powers to turn down the scheme, said the development would not be sustainable and raised concerns about the location.

The council received more than 15 letters of objection from residents who raised concerns about potential flooding and the extra strain it would put on the town's notorious level crossing.

Wem Rural Parish Council and Wem Civic Society also objected to the proposal.

The proposed scheme involves creating a mix of three and four-bedroom homes on the site, including three which would be affordable.

A 'statement of case' on behalf of the applicant said the site lies in a sustainable location which is highly accessible to local services and facilities.

"In our professional opinion the proposed development comprises such a balance, occupying a sustainable location which is highly accessible to services and facilities, including employment opportunities, and is well served by sustainable modes of transport," the statement said.

"As such it represents a sustainably located site. The site also represents an opportunity to make an important contribution to the council's supply of housing."