MP Mark Pritchard in pledge to fight Shifnal development plans

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, met members of Shifnal Matters to discuss ways in which the group can successfully rally against the council's large scale plans outlined in its Preferred Sites document.

The town's infrastructure and green belt land were highlighted as vital issues that will continue to be pursued by both the action group and Tory MP.

Shifnal Matters committee member Zoe Turner posted on the group's Facebook page: "Extremely positive meeting with MP Mark Pritchard who will be supporting us to fight the over development of Shifnal."

Mr Pritchard recently accused Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council of showing little regard for the environmental needs of the area during a debate in the House of Commons.

He said plans for more than 6,000 homes in Shifnal, Tong and Albrighton would have a devastating effect on the character of those communities.

Neighbouring

Shifnal Matters formed amid the council's consultation on preferred sites for homes across Shropshire, which could see green belt land in the town sacrificed for a large employment site and a bypass, along with more than 1,500 homes being built.

The group is also expecting to raise the possibility of a legal battle between Shropshire Council later this year should the proposals not be amended.

A further 10,000 homes and a large commercial site are being planned for neighbouring village Tong, which sits north of the M54, with development continuing into the 2060s.

Consultation on the M54 corridor proposals is set to take place later this year.

Mr Pritchard said: "The housing numbers planned for Shifnal are far too high and the possible sites are mostly in the wrong places.

"Shropshire Council should not use Shifnal and the east of the county as a residential dumping ground for West Midlands housing overflows in return for cash into the council's coffers.

"I will work across the community and with all Shifnal groups to stop this."