Revised Albrighton housing bid faces fresh backlash

Developers Jessup had their plans for Shaw Lane refused by Shropshire Council’s South Planning Committee in June.

Since then they have dropped the feature to build 74 extra care apartments for over 55s as part of the application, but still hope to develop six bungalows and 58 homes on the site.

But residents say the revision does not address concerns, particularly over access and exit from Shaw Lane, which they say is congested.

They also questioned how the land which was earmarked for the apartments will be used.

Michael Pitchford said: “I do not wish to be cynical but it seems strange the applicant has not included in this application the land that had previously been earmarked for the three-storey extra care apartments.

“I have no objection to the land being used for residential use, however it is totally unacceptable to have access from Shaw Lane, this has been recognised on the previous application for this area of land and rejected by the planning committee, the access must be made from Kingswood Road.”

'Amazing'

Barry Newby commented: “I find it absolutely amazing that Jessups, having had their previous application rejected only a few weeks ago, should now come back with a very similar proposal.

“I wish to once again strongly object that the proposed access to the development is from Shaw Lane. This was one of the major factors as to why the previous application was correctly rejected.

“If any development is to be done, access should be on the Kingswood Road not via Shaw Lane.”

Other concerns have included drainage issues, with Ian Halstead adding: “The drains outside my house haven’t been able to cope with present demand for more than a decade, and are a regular feature on local TV when the rains come.

“As the weather becomes more extreme, the issue will worsen and the arrival of another 64 homes would cause the drains to flood more often – and with greater impact.”

However, no concerns regarding groundwater have been voiced by the Environment Agency.

A decision from Shropshire Council is expected by November 13.

Report by Emily Lloyd, Local Democracy Reporter