Calls to develop parts of Shropshire 'sensitively'
Organisations that protect wildlife and the environment have called for the county to be developed "sensitively" when Shropshire Council looks to enforce its local plan by 2036.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England say creating thousands of new homes and employment development has the potential to have significant impacts on the environment.
It comes as the council is currently reviewing its local plan which has earmarked how much development is required in the county over the next 20 years.
It has identified seven sites of environmental importance in Shropshire and 13 outside the county which could be impacted as part of its Local Plan Review (LPR).
The sites in the county include Fenn’s, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem & Cadney Mosses, the Stiperstones and the Hollies SAC, Brown Moss SAC, Midland Meres & Mosses Ramsar Phase 1, Midland Meres & Mosses Ramsar Phase 2, River Clun SAC and West Midlands Mosses SAC Clarepool Moss.
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Colin Preston, CEO of Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: “There are plans unprecedented in scale to develop areas of Shropshire which could have a huge impact on our landscape.
"However, if done with sensitivity it could present an opportunity beneficial to both local people and wildlife alike. However the challenge to do this shouldn’t be underestimated."
A Natural England Spokesman added “These are the internationally important nature conservation sites that the Shropshire Council Local Plan Review has the potential to affect.
"Natural England has already begun working with Shropshire Council to assist them in drawing up a plan that allows them to deliver the growth they think is necessary while protecting, restoring and enhancing these international sites.”
Public consultation has started on the LPR which has identified additional housing and employment opportunities for towns and villages in the county.
Although almost 19,000 homes are already set to be built in Shropshire, the plan says a further 10,000 will be needed by 2036.
About 300 hectares of employment development would be earmarked under the plan.
A report prepared as part of the local plan review states: “It is felt that 20 international sites could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by the Shropshire Local Plan Review. Subsequent LPR documents will propose more detailed policies and establish potential locations for housing and employment land.
“Key points for consideration in the next stages of LPR preparation are determining if sufficient existing infrastructure and resources are available to support the increase in resident and working populations, the location of residential and employment allocation sites and the wording of policies must avoid any likely significant adverse effects on international sites, either alone or in-combination, and if a change of use is proposed for existing allocated employment sites then these must be re-screened for potential adverse effects on international sites.”
Public consultation on the LPR will close on December 22.
