Telford park homes approved despite traffic fears

The new homes will be an extension of the existing Breton Park, in Muxton, which is a development of park homes off Wellington Road.

Objections had been raised by Donnington and Muxton Parish Council, which said the area was being overdeveloped.

But councillors voted unanimously to allow the development to go ahead after hearing that officers believed Wellington Road could handle the stresses of new homes, and that it was far enough away from residences to avoid any issues.

Councillor Lisa Dugmore, on behalf of Donnington and Muxton Parish Council, said: "This is yet another application for Muxton, again on Wellington Road.

"This is a very dangerous road. There's a great deal of speeding with no opportunity for traffic calming. Access to this site is very limited, vision is very limited and the pressures it's going to put on Wellington Road are enormous."

James Powell, on behalf of the applicants at Riverside Caravan Park, said: "The highway engineers have agreed the site and the access.

"While I appreciate what Councillor Dugmore has said, this application should be considered in light of the professional's advice."

In his application, Mr Powell said that the applicants had a "great deal of knowledge and expertise" in dealing with the development of caravan sites. They purchased the Muxton site about two years ago.

Councillor Peter Scott, who is on the planning committee, said: "I don't have a problem with the development as such. I noted the space is quite good, as well as the viability.

"I'm concerned about the traffic on the main road."

Councillor Scott asked whether there were any plans in place for more traffic calming measures in the area.

Officers said that there was no money put aside for new traffic calming, but that there had been conversations with the parish council on the issue.

While there's no funding coming from Telford & Wrekin, they said, that doesn't stop external groups from procuring funding in support of measures.

Councillors heard that a public right of way in the area would not be affected by the park homes.

The site proposed for the new homes has previously been used for temporary pitches for caravans and tents and is behind houses 41, 43, 45, 47 on Wellington Road.