55 new homes planned for Newport

Elford Homes has lodged an outline planning application asking Telford & Wrekin Council for permission to build up to 55 homes in Plough Lane.

It comes after it recently emerged that Redrow Homes had lost an appeal to build up to 170 homes on land east of Kestrel Close and Beechfields Way.

It followed widespread protest by the community.

Objections have now also been raised in respect of the plans by Elford Homes.

Concerns have been raised that Newport is being overwhelmed by new properties and it will put more pressure on school and GP services.

The site was previously used as a plant nursery.

A report, submitted with the planning application, states: "The layout provides for a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.

"Each of the proposed dwellings is provided with a private garden area.

"The majority of the proposed dwellings front on to the highway with each dwelling provided with a minimum of two car parking spaces clear of the highway.

"The proposed layout is consistent with the Planning Authority’s guidance in relation to space about dwellings in terms of distances to boundaries, distances between dwellings and garden size."

Access to the site would be from Forton Road and 19 affordable homes would be provided.

But several concerns have been raised.

Joyce Oliver, of Wrekin Avenue, Newport, has objected to the plans.

She said: "Newport as a whole is being overwhelmed by a number of new dwellings but no thought has been put into extending the infrastructure.

"No new access roads, no new facilities, no additional school places.

"The town is now gridlocked with all the additional cars these houses have generated."

David Bickley, of Swanmere, Newport, has also raised concerns.

He said: "I strongly object to this proposal for many reasons,including more traffic pressure being placed on Forton Road.

"Newport schools,dentists,doctors are already over subscribed and cannot handle anymore of this over development."

However, developers argue the proposals will bring much-needed affordable homes and benefit the community.

The report from Elford Homes said: "The construction of the proposed dwellings will provide both market and affordable housing for the district against the background of an identified shortage in supply of affordable homes.

"The proposed development will deliver benefits for the wider community.

"The development would help to support local businesses, not just in Newport but in the district as a whole."

A decision on the plans is expected to be made by Telford & Wrekin Council in the upcoming months.