Plans for WW2 RAF base sent back to drawing board

A developer has been asked to come back with new plans for what is left of former hospital buildings on a World War Two RAF base.

Shropshire Council had previously granted Cotwall Property permission to convert one of the buildings at RAF High Ercall into a house, but it took enforcement action when the company demolished another building and built on the site without permission.

When a planning inspector was asked to intervene, both parties were told to come to an agreement and an updated proposal includes converting the new building into an agricultural building that could support an historic water tower.

But Shropshire Council said this would undermine the value of the first building.

The two former RAF buildings stood on the old base, off Cotwall Road, in Shirlowe, north of Telford.

When planning officers spoke to the developer and its agent they told them they would refuse planning permission.

They said: "Unfortunately, there are no suggestions that can be made, other than withdrawing this current scheme and amending."

The planning officers also said it was their advice to the developer that "a smaller, ancillary structure" would be the best outcome.

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

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