Plans for 166 homes approved despite opposition

Controversial plans for 166 homes on a crop-growing field south of Newport have been approved by councillors.

The land off The Dale, Church Aston, is classed as open countryside in Telford & Wrekin Council's current local plan.

However, it has been allocated for housing in the authority's emerging local plan, which has completed examination by government inspectors and is expected to be adopted later this year.

Planning officers told Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee that inspectors had raised no issues over the allocation and recommended the application for approval, subject to conditions.

Councillor Peter Scott said: "I don't think we should be seeing any application here. The new plan is emerging, but it has not emerged yet. The local plan should be ratified first."

He also voiced concerns about NHS provision, saying new patients could initially be directed to a GP surgery in Muxton, which is also set for major housing growth.

"The surgery will be overrun," he said, urging health planners to provide a new health centre in Newport.

Although he said rejecting the application "would not hold water", he added he did not want to vote in favour.

Ward councillor Andrew Eade said he remained "totally opposed" to building on greenfield sites.

He praised the 156 objections submitted by residents seeking to protect the village's identity, but said if permission was granted, a pedestrian crossing should be added on the A518 between Church Aston and Chetwynd Aston.

He told the meeting Bellway Homes was willing to amend some of its £2.7 million Section 106 contributions to fund the work.

Officers recommended against the crossing, although the scheme includes a new roundabout and improved pedestrian and cycle routes.

Councillor Giles Luter said it was "non-negotiable" that the developer delivered its promised 58 affordable homes.

Speaking for Bellway Homes, Gemma Johnson said the development would include 32% open space, a 10% biodiversity net gain and 35% affordable housing.

Planning officers said the affordable homes would include social rent and shared ownership, as well as seven bungalows.

Officers acknowledged "understandable concerns" from residents, but said there were "no technical objections" to the proposal.

Councillor Nigel Dugmore, who voted against the scheme, said schools were full and doctors surgeries "can't cope", adding there were "material reasons why this should not go ahead".

Planning officers said any future attempt to reduce affordable housing would require "robust evidence" and independent scrutiny. Before the vote, Councillor Scott appealed to Bellway not to close the A518 while building the new roundabout, saying: "People can't stand it."

The committee approved the application on Wednesday.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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