Fears over sewage network if Market Drayton homes plan goes ahead
Fears have been raised that a town’s sewage network could be overwhelmed if plans for hundreds of new houses are passed.
Outline approval was granted in 2018 for up to 250 homes to be built on land next to Market Drayton Rugby Football Club, and detailed proposals for the layout and design of the scheme have now been lodged with Shropshire Council.
Drawn up by Kier Living and Danbank Developments, the reserved matters application is for a reduced amount of properties – 206.
Despite this, councillors have voiced concerns over the capacity of existing infrastructure in the town and called for improvements to be made before any new housing is built.
Speaking at a Market Drayton Town Council planning meeting, mayor Roy Aldcroft said: “I do have some concerns, particularly with drainage of rainwater – current watercourses that run through the area that will need to be addressed – and also severe questions over what’s happening with sewage.
“We have 206 houses going in, if we do the maths that’s 600-odd people. It’s going to be quite an increase and I just wonder whether our little sewage works can actually cope with this.”
Councillor Mark Whittle echoed these concerns, adding: “We are now in a situation where we have got to start looking for a better mains supply to Market Drayton. I have said this many, many times.
“We keep on building more houses, more houses, more houses, but Market Drayton is still running the whole of the town off that little sub-station at the bottom of Phoenix Bank.”
Criticism
If approved, the development would be built in four phases and would include 20 affordable homes as well as an area of public open space. The developers are proposing 14 two-bed houses, 113 three-beds and 79 four-beds.
Councillor Tim Beckett proposed objecting to the scheme, saying: “I have had a lot of people locally say to me they are not in favour of this.”
Further criticism was made of the “insufficient” number of affordable homes proposed and inadequate parking arrangements, while concerns were also raised over the Hampton Drive access and the ability of local schools to cope with more pupils.
Town clerk Julie Jones also highlighted the fact that the plans include a children’s play area but no details were provided by the applicant over who would manage and maintain it.
Nine members voted to object to the application and Councillor Aldcroft abstained.
The planning application will be decided in due course by Shropshire Council.
