Town council sticking to objection over plan for Morrisons in Oswestry

The supermarket giant want to remove an existing living wall within the feature panel frame at the main store elevation due to ongoing maintenance issues. 

This will be replaced with a timber panel installation.

However, Oswestry Town Council has objected to the proposal at the Shrewsbury Road site.

“The benefits of such features are significant and the removal of the wall would result in a net biodiversity loss,” said a spokesperson.

“Should it be determined that the work is essential then the applicant is requested to set out how they intend to offset the loss of biodiversity through planting either on site or by elsewhere in the community.”

However, the town council has been told that, due to the size of the area to be altered, it would be exempt from biodiversity net gain requirements, so has been invited to withdraw its objection. Planning officers at Shropshire Council also believe the scheme is acceptable and likely be put forward for approval.

Town councillors are sticking to their guns though, believing that the reason given is not enough to withdraw the objection.

“We made an objection, so it should go to planning committee for them to listen to it and have it in that forum,” said Councillor James Owen.

“That is what the planning committee is there for.”

The Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Mike Isherwood, added: “The council would still wish the members of the committee see the objection that was made and it’s for them to determine the planning application on its merits.

“Our objection is still valid as an opinion.”