Plans for 52 homes in village raise 'grave concerns'

Plans for dozens of new homes in a village have prompted "grave concerns" from a councillor.

Shropshire councillors are due to consider applications for developments of 42 and 10 homes in Whittington next Tuesday.

Whittington councillor David Walker and local residents have raised concerns about the impact on the character of the village, road safety, flooding, sustainability and access to services.

A report prepared by council officers is recommending outline permission is granted for both developments.

Plans for the development on land west of Alma Close have been put forward by Shingler Homes, and 85 people have written to the council to object.

Walker, who is also the councillor responsible for planning, said he had "grave concerns" about the scheme.

West Felton Parish Council strongly objected too.

Planning officer Mark Perry said: "Although adverse effects have been identified, they are not considered to substantially outweigh the benefits of granting permission."

In the report for councillors, he also said the applicant had provided enough information to suggest the site could support the development.

The other application is for 10 homes near Old Rectory Gardens.

Perry said the development would meet the unmet housing need and be "physically well-related to an existing settlement".

"Although the proposal would give rise to the adverse effects, these are not considered to substantially outweigh the benefits of granting permission," he said.

The parish council has also objected, as have 49 members of the public.

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