Go-ahead for 25 homes in grounds of vicarage near Whitchurch

Officials at Shropshire Council have given the green light to build the homes in Tilstock.

The site is partly in the garden of the vicarage and partly an agricultural field to the rear.

Applicant Lichfield Diocesan board of finance said they plan to access the site through the vicarage garden and retain the vicarage as part of the scheme.

A design and access statement states: "This revised design represents a natural extension to the village in accordance with the scale of development supported by the parish council, whilst consolidating the existing open space associated with the cemetery and bowling club."

Oliver Thomas, case officer, said it is recommended that the site be enhanced for bats and birds via the inclusion of bat and bird boxes throughout the site.

He said: "Concerns have also been raised by local residents that the development will impact on the school.

"Given the distance from the new houses to the school there will not be any impact either from the school or to the school in the terms of light or privacy.

"Whether there is capacity within the school is a matter for the education department but not a matter which has been raised by the parish council.

"Concerns have been raised locally about the position of the access close to the school and that the development will increase traffic, having detriment to highway safety.

"The increase in traffic is acknowledged but as a proposed allocated housing site the increase would be inevitable.

"In conclusion there is no objection to the outline planning application, they have no highway grounds on which to refuse the application, an appropriate access is achievable and the number of dwellings proposed would not adversely compromise highway or pedestrian safety, including during school drop off and collection times.

"The council ecologist has raised no objection noting that whilst the arable field has low ecological value at present, the proposals also include removal of a section of hedgerow and a number of trees.

"These features have high potential to support nesting birds and low potential as bat foraging and commuting routes.

"In addition, it has been recommended that the site be enhanced for European Protected Species through the inclusion of artificial habitats and through the improvement of landscaping."