TV star Nick Hancock backs petition against Shrewsbury wildflower meadow homes plan
TV presenter Nick Hancock has lent his support to a campaign to stop the development of a wildflower meadow on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.
The original host of They Think It's All Over and Room 101 has recently moved to Shrewsbury and heard of the plans to build 52 homes on land at Mousecroft Lane in Radbrook near to where he now lives.
Approached by members of the Friends of Radbrook Fields Facebook group, Mr Hancock said he would sign their petition.
It will be added to a mountain of objections to the scheme put forward by developers FCC Environment to planners at Shropshire Council.
Almost 170 objections to the development have been received from those living close to the land.
In recent weeks, the developers said that if the scheme does not get the go-ahead they will install fences around the perimeter of the site preventing local access.
Rare
However, members of the campaign group say they will be happy for this to take place as it will maintain the integrity of the wildlife and flora found at the wildflower meadow.
The site has been described as a 'rare, possibly unique unimproved lowland grassland' and is home to a number of flowers not found elsewhere in the region.
The proposed development has been met with criticism from nearby residents, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.
Radbrook Fields has long been a favourite spot with dog walkers, anglers and families enjoying a day out.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust responded to the plans saying it is “deeply concerned” that it will destroy a wildlife habitat in the heart of the town.
The outline planning application is being considered by Shropshire Council.
Nick Hancock was unavailable for comment.
