Telford pub to be demolished and houses built under plans

Plans have been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council for the demolition of The Wrens Nest, Wrens Nest Lane, Ketley, and the erection of nine homes with garages and parking.

Under the plans, four two storey semi-detached houses with separate garages and five detached houses with integral garages would be built.

Each plot would have front and back gardens with timber fencing.

Ketley Parish Council has objected to the plans.

The objection states: "The parish council feels that the local community would be damaged by the removal of a significant community asset and valued facility for local people."

The council also said that parents currently use the car park at the pub when collecting and dropping off children at school, which is by arrangement with the licensee.

It adds: "The traffic situation directly outside school gates when the school opens/closes is already chaotic and a major safety risk."

It adds that the development would increase traffic issues and that the housing density is too high for "an already developed area".

The plans, submitted on behalf of applicant Pal Singh Atwal, say that the building occupies a large plot of land with allocated parking spaces for about 60 cars.

It adds: "The site is sustainably located within walking distance to nearby bus stops providing half-hourly connections to Telford and the wider area."

Telford & Wrekin Planning Officer Matthew Thomas said: "The public house is no longer viable as there are a number of similar facilities within close proximity, its loss would not be so detrimental to the community."

Telford & Wrekin planning committee has been recommended to delegate powers to council officers to approve the plans once developers agree to certain conditions including putting £5,400 towards upgrading the nearest recreational facilities and a contribution, of an amount yet to be confirmed, to relocate the traffic calming features along Woodside Road.