Gobowen homes to be built despite objections

Councillors have given the go-ahead for a 41-home development on the edge of a village.

Members of Shropshire Council’s north Shropshire planning committee voted in favour of the housing estate off Whittington Road in Gobowen – despite objections from nearby residents who have raised concerns about access to the development.

Outline planning permission was granted in October 2014 and members agreed approval for layout, scale and access should return to committee at a later date.

At a meeting on Tuesday afternoon councillors also heard the applicant had been in talks with the developer from The Tilings, who has recently been granted permission to build 15 homes nearby, to create a shared access.

However Ian Miller, who spoke on behalf of The Tilings development, said joint access had not yet been agreed and asked councillors to refuse permission.

He said: “Joint access has not been agreed so members must decide whether it can be accessed in a safe manner.”

Mr Miller said the access between the estates would be just seven metres apart, when the recommendation is 40 metres.

Councillor Gerald Dakin said: “We can’t go against the highways report. Who are we to argue with highways who say it can be done safely?”

Councillor Simon Jones said he thought access should have been considered before outline planning was granted.

“I think it’s obvious planning needs to learn from this application,” he added. “Things like this needs to be considered at the beginning.” Planning officers said the design will respect the rural character of the area and noted it will not have a detrimental affect on the amenities of neighbours. The plans include a mix of two-bed terrace houses, three-bed semi-detached properties and other detached homes.