Plans for 98 homes in village get outline approval

Plans to build 98 homes in a Shropshire village have been given outline permission by councillors, despite protests from residents and local councillors.

Wain Estates (WE) has asked to build the new estate on land to the east of Merrington Road in Bomere Heath.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on drainage and the local infrastructure, but the company argued it would create "much-needed new homes".

Members of Shropshire's Northern Planning Committee agreed to look at the issues raised again when more detailed proposals are submitted.

WE said the new estate would be accessed via land between two recently developed areas of housing.

It promised 15% of the houses would be classed as affordable and there would be almost five hectares of green spaces, including a new wetland area.

David Cookson, who objects to the proposals. said he had lived in Bomere Heath for 84 years.

He said he was concerned about the building of access to the new estate and feared more applications for housing would be made as a result

"It is on the wrong side of the village, and is wrong for the village," he said.

Dan Harmer, chairman of Bomere Heath Parish Council, said he understood the need for housing growth, but 78 homes were already being built and he had concerns about drainage.

Brendan Mallon the Shropshire councillor who represents Tern, argued the local infrastructure was already overstretched.

However, WE said the company would make contributions to address these issues.

Another member of the planning committee, Julian Dean, said all the matters could be dealt with later in the planning process.

"I'm struggling to find the negatives in terms of the site, and I'm struggling to find reasons why it's not sustainable," he added.

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