160 home plan for Market Drayton gets green light

Campaigners had fought against the plans for homes on land off Rush Lane in Market Drayton over fears it could put pressure on the town's medical centre, schools and cause sewage problems.

They have also had concerns about the development crossing over Rush Lane, which residents say is a narrow lane with potholes, and the number of three storey buildings.

But Gladman Development Limited was given permission for its proposal by the planning inspectorate.

Now an application for reserved matters submitted by David Wilson Homes will be discussed by members of Shropshire Councils' north planning committee on Tuesday.

The site proposed for development is greenfield and currently used for grazing.

Market Drayton Town Council planning committee has given its support to the development on the condition a host of issues are sorted including the creation of a play area to be finalised with the town council and the maintenance of hedgerows in the area.

A total of 14 letters of objection and a petition of 31 signatures have been received by Shropshire Council.

Karen Townend, case officer, said: "It is considered that the proposed layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the site are acceptable and would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the character and appearance of the locality or the amenities of neighbouring properties.

"A safe means of access and adequate parking and turning space will be provided and subject to conditions the proposal would have no adverse highway or ecological implications.

"Within the development each of the proposed dwellings is shown with sufficient space to park two vehicles.

"The applicant has also confirmed that there is no intention to use Rush Lane for construction traffic.

"The applicant considers that the proposal to provide an adoptable highway crossing Rush Lane is a legal means of achieving the development proposed.

"The amended scheme has reduced the number of three storey houses originally proposed on the site and added four bungalows, two detached and a pair of semi detached, in the western parcel of the site.

"Therefore of the 162 houses the majority, 135 houses, are two storey."

A new roundabout has been created on the A53 between the Gingerbread Man island and Tern Hill island ahead of the development.

The main work saw the resurfacing of the carriageway and the construction of new roundabout to the north-east of Rush Lane.

The plans will be discussed at 2pm in Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Tuesday (JAN31).