Joy as developer's appeal to build 170 homes in Newport fails

Residents who have fought against the Redrow development off Beechfields Way in Newport, local councillors and even Telford & Wrekin Council itself, have met the news with universal praise

The developer wanted to demolish two houses in Kestrel Close and then build the proposed development on land east of Kestrel Close and Beechfields Way.

But planning inspector David Rose dismissed the company’s appeal and said that Telford & Wrekin Council has in excess of a five year housing land supply.

Caron Malcolm, one of the residents who campaigned against the plans, said: "Local people have been campaigning fervently against the development including organising several leaflet drops, social media activity and holding public meetings so well attended that Newport Rugby Club could barely contain them.

"One of the most visual campaigns was the erection of signs that residents purchased and erected to show their strength of feeling. This made a massive impact in terms of awareness in the town that this rural corner was under threat.

"After three weeks of hearings in December and deliberations until this week, the inspector finally refused to grant planning permission for the development proposed."

Telford & Wrekin Council welcomed the decision on the homes.

Councillor Richard Overton, the Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I am sure that residents in the area of Kestrel Close will be delighted with the planning inspector’s decision to refuse this speculative and inappropriate application.

“It is also very gratifying that the inspector has noted that we have in excess of a five year housing land supply, which can only be good for future inward investment in the borough.”

Councillor Peter Scott said: "“This is a great result for all those people who opposed this unnecessary and unwanted development.

"This is one of the last green areas left in Newport and is a vital green corridor for wildlife into town.

"The decision also shows the strength of the council’s 5 year land supply and their proposed Local Plan. Most of the 1200 planned homes for our town are either already being built or have the necessary permission to build so it is important we continue to resist speculative development in all its forms.”

Councillor Tim Nelson said: "The beautiful field with its famous and valuable veteran oak trees, so magnificently positioned on the skyline, is saved from the bulldozer and red brick – at least for now.

"It is great news, and please can I pay my tribute to the unsung heroes, the patient residents who attended the meetings, sent in their considered letters of objection, and most of all, attended the weary long hours of the recent Planning Appeal Inspection itself. Well done!

"The battle continues, there are two more applications just in, one for the Plough lane nursery site, 55 houses, and one for the land south of the Rylands, 19 houses.

"The fight against uncontrolled development of Newport continues, but I and the residents will not let up."