Appeal for 150 new homes in Muxton fails

Seabridge Developments Ltd has failed in its bid to to build on land near numbers 74 to 86 Wellington Road, in Muxton, after it lodged an appeal. The move followed Telford & Wrekin Council's failure to make a decision over the scheme and a public inquiry that was held in June.

Now the Planning Inspectorate has thrown out the appeal to build the estate, which included 30 affordable homes.

More than 1,000 residents signed a petition against the plans on grounds that the proposal for the housing on a plot behind behind Sutherland Drive, Nelson Way and Merrington Close would be an over-development of the site.

In his report, planning inspector Hayden Baugh-Jones said he did not believe the proposed housing estate met the 'principles of sustainable development'. He said the new homes would bring some economic benefit to the town, but criticised the plan as 'falling short of providing the appropriate level of affordable housing'.

He added: "Thus, there is no benefit from this aspect of the scheme that might otherwise weigh in its favour."

Phil Loughlin chairman of Opposition to the Building of More Housing in Muxton, now a parish councillor, said: "This is Muxton's third appeal that has been dismissed so I think this is starting to show a sea change in attitude by the inspectors which seems to be more biased towards the protection of countryside as opposed to to the over-development of it.

"This three dismissals in a row against speculative developers who are wanting to destroy the countryside. From the residents point of view we are euphoric with this latest decision, but we are not complacent.

"It shows what can be done when the community works together by having a core team and a common aim."

Telford & Wrekin Council’s housing chief Councillor Richard Overton, said: “We are delighted that the planning inspector has agreed with our decision that this application for Wellington Road should be refused. This is an endorsement of our planning approach and local policies. While we recognise that every site is different and needs to be dealt with on its merits in planning law, the inspector has found in this instance that the proposed development would cause significant landscape harm.

“He also found that while the site was suitable for bus access, the lack of pedestrian links to adjacent housing means poor connectivity. Schools and shops are too far from the site which would encourage car usage. There was also not enough affordable housing within the proposed plans.”

Earlier this year, plans by Gladman Developments for 188 homes for land off Muxton Lane were dismissed following appeals. More than 1,200 new properties are proposed across a number of sites in the area.