Traffic worries hold up Shrewsbury homes scheme

Members of Shropshire Council's central planning committee were asked to decide whether to grant permission to Caterpillar Defence for proposals that will develop the business and use part of the site on Lancaster Road in Shrewsbury to build up to 140 homes.

The homes decision was deferred despite warnings from the council's solicitor, Miranda Garrard, that it could lead to the applicant filing for non-determination which would ultimately take the decision out of the council's hands.

But members asked for further clarification on how the additional traffic would impact on the already congested area.

Councillor Tony Parsons said: "I'm not necessarily opposed to this application but there's no one that can convince me that the Mount Pleasant road is not a problem.

"This development will not help the situation. I don't know what can be done but something definitely needs to be done if there's potentially going to be another 300 cars. It's only going to make it worse."

He asked for the developer to come forward with a suggestion on how it would improve the area.

Detailed

But highways area manager Mark Wootton said a detailed traffic assessment plan had been submitted and carefully considered.

He added: "The reality is that the traffic situation in the area is not easy. There will be additional movement. It would be the same if the application was for employment use. It would be similar, if not a greater amount of traffic and HGVs.

"I would urge caution refusing this application on the grounds of traffic without the density being confirmed."

Concerns were also raised about a lack of public open space.

Councillors did however accept the first application for a new reception building, alterations, clearance to accommodate future expansion and a 275 bay car park.

The homes outline application will return to committee at a later date.