Plan for 600 homes in Oswestry hit by new delay
Plans for up to 600 homes on the edge of Oswestry are likely to be delayed again as highways bosses ask for more proof it will not affect the existing road network.
Landowner, J Ross Developments submitted an application to Shropshire Council over a year ago to build on 24 hectares of land between the Oswestry bypass and Shrewsbury Road.
But now Highways England has put the application on hold once again and recommended it shouldn't be considered for at least another two months.
It has asked the developer to prove it will not interfere with their Strategic Road Network (SRN).
Highways England say the SRN is a "critical national asset" which is made up of the motorways and trunk roads in England, and their focus is to ensure it operates smoothly.
Councillor John Price, who represents Oswestry East on Shropshire Council, said he is "disappointed" the plans have been delayed again.
"I thought it would be done and dusted by now so I really don't know what is going on with the development anymore," he said. "I'm interested in building a prosperous town. Oswestry does have a problem with a lack of housing and it's not until you start looking into it that you see the problems.
"I see families crowded into tiny flats and that's not on. Young people deserve a chance, they need homes and places to raise their families, and as I get older see less people getting the chances they need."
The report from Patrick Thomas said: "We recommend non-determination of the application for a period of two months from the date of this response, to allow the applicant the time to provide the information necessary to assure Highways England that the proposed site access and development does not impact negatively upon the SRN."
Highways England was originally consulted on this planning application in July 2016 where they recommended a three month period of non-determination.
The proposed development is set around an open green with pedestrian and vehicle links to the town centre and to the nearby leisure centre and industrial estate.
There are also plans to build a pedestrian bridge over the A5/A483 to connect with a proposed new Mile End business park on the other side of the bypass.
