Telford councillors booed as 100 new homes approved

Telford & Wrekin's planning committee was split over whether to approve reserved matters for a 100-house development at Peregrine Way, Leegomery, after deferring the proposal last month.

Despite the applicant, Kier, having failed to make any significant movement over four of the five concerns that led to the deferral, the committee voted by five members to three to approve the plans.

Members of the public had held up signs imploring the committee to defer again, and after the vote was carried some shouted at the members, with one branding the decision "pathetic".

The controversy centred on calls for Kier to look at an increased buffer zone between the development and Apley Wood, a construction management plan and a separate access, installation of traffic lights before work starts, improved design to reflect nearby homes, and the proximity of one of the homes to an existing home.

The committee heard that the applicant had agreed to remove a garage from the plot which was close to the existing home as a concession.

It was also said that traffic lights could be installed before the scheme is concluded.

One of the councillors also claimed they were being "threatened" by the applicant which had pledged to take the plans to a planning appeal, and to pursue costs.

Councillor Nigel Dugmore said: "We are being threatened by doing our job here. The concerns we have had where we deferred it three weeks ago, there are only two where we have had any movement at all."

Councillor Nicola Lowery added: "The concerns raised still remain and if the applicant, from my perspective is unwilling to alter the application it really does leave the councillors on this committee in a very difficult position."

Councillor Lowery also dismissed the idea that the applicant could claim the council had been unreasonable in not determining the application by March 17.

She said: "I do find it quite unacceptable the applicant would suggest the behaviour of the council has been unreasonable when they have failed to engage with the community, the council, and with stakeholders over the concerns in a meaningful way."

However, Councillor Peter Scott said that the council would be opening itself up to a costly planning appeal if it did not vote to approve the plans.,

He said: "You can refuse, say yes, or defer but if this goes to an appeal, which is the next step, this council will be charged with losing money on the appeal. I am afraid I think they would win the appeal and I do not feel I could put the council in that position."

Councillors Charles Smith, Jackie Loveridge, Stephen Reynolds, Leon Murray, and Peter Scott voted to approve the plans, with councillors Dugmore, Lowery and Ian Fletcher voting against.