Controversial 120 Newport home plans set for approval

The plans for land south of Springfield Industrial Estate in Station Road are set to go before planners next week.

And despite opposition to the development, it has been recommended by officers that the development go ahead.

Chetwynd Aston and Woodcote Parish Council, Church Aston Parish Council, Newport Town Council, Newport History Society, the Save Newport Campaign, Newport in Bloom, local borough councillors and 107 town residents have all posted objections to the scheme.

The development of 120 houses will have 35 per cent affordable homes, with access proposed via a new roundabout on Station Road. It would also serve a neighbouring mixed-used development, which has already had a resolution for the grant of outline permission for up to 350 homes, extra care housing, employment land, public open space, a sports pitch and a landscaped park.

The green field site is currently arable land, and many of those objecting to the plans say it should be kept as open land for the enjoyment of the people of Newport.

In its comments, Chetwynd Aston and Woodcote Parish Council, said: "This greenfield site should be retained as amenity area for people of Newport and surrounding area. It is well used by walkers, children and dog walkers.

"A development of this size would ruin the character of this parish forever. There is no infrastructure to support the huge increase in the number of residents.

"The number of electors in the parish would probably double. The road network is already overstretched, and would be unable to cope with any increase in traffic"

In its comments, Newport Town Council said it was "disappointed" to receive notification of an application on another green field site.

Newport History Society has said the loss of the field would mean a loss of a "heritage asset".

It said: "The field has been in Newport land documents since the 14th century, with a long history.

"We will ask the Secretary of State to call in the application if the council’s planning committee is minded to approve the scheme."

Among the hundreds of objections from residents in Newport, people have said that they feel there is already enough development proposed, and ongoing, in the town.

They also say it needs to maintain some of its open space, with residents describing the site as "an oasis".

Despite the concerns, a report set to go to Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee, the proposals have been recommended for approval, subject to conditions and grants by the developer to schemes in Newport.

A decision will be made when the committee meets on Wedneday at The Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington.