New homes set to get go-ahead in Wem despite objections

Land on the outskirts of the town has been set aside for a Fletcher Homes estate, and next week Shropshire Council's north planning committee looks set to give the green light to a reserved proposal that sets out the layout and scale of the development.

Initial planning permission was granted in May of 2015, and residents have reacted angrily to the proposal for 25 new houses to the south west of Sungrove in the town.

Letters from 111 residents objected to a range of potential issues with the site. A number complained that animal habitats would be destroyed, traffic in the area would increase and that the houses would be "overbearing" and "the wrong type for the area".

Wem Town Council also opposed the idea, with a letter saying: "The surface water from development will flow directly onto existing properties neighbouring the site which will cause potential flooding problems for these existing properties.

"In addition to this the town council is very concerned about the proposed drainage for this development which is inadequate as the French drains proposed will only last 10 years."

Councillors agreed with the sentiment of some residents that the houses were unsuitable: "The size of houses proposed are the wrong type for the area. Smaller houses are needed to meet local housing needs."

The town council did receive a response from one of the development's agents, but concluded that it didn't address their concerns adequately.

In their latest submission a letter said: "The council is of the opinion that the response provided by the agent to the town council's previous objections does not sufficiently address the council's objections. Therefore the town council will not be changing its previous objections to the application."

The development will include 18 three-bed houses, five four-bed houses and two two-bedroom houses.

The new proposal for reserved matters will be discussed at the May 29 meeting of the planning committee, and planning officers' recommendation is to approve the plan with the condition that six trees are moved.