450-home outline development at Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury

What was proposed

An outline scheme sought up to 450 homes, open space, drainage, engineering works and strategic access, with several design matters reserved.

“Proposal: Outline application for the residential development of up to 450 dwellings, strategic infrastructure to include: open space, drainage and engineering works with some matters (landscaping, appearance, layout, scale) reserved apart from strategic access.”

Officer report

The site

The approximately 21.5-hectare site was agricultural land north of Shrewsbury, between Ellesmere Road, the railway and the Old River Bed site.

“The application site extends to approx. 21.5 ha and is currently agricultural land located approx. 2km north of Shrewsbury town centre. The site comprises two predominant fields, separated by hedgerow with trees, whilst trees and hedgerows also form part of the site’s boundary. Ellesmere Road lies to the east, with the large residential area of Greenfields directly opposite and further south.”

Officer report

Earlier consideration

The application had previously been deferred to obtain further assurances about wider highway impacts and active travel routes beyond the site.

“- to seek further assurances that the impacts on the wider highways network have been taken into account and that further information be provided in relation to the A49, the gyratory and impacts on the Chester Street and Castle Foregate loop; and…”

“- to understand the travel options and seek further assurances that there are going to be appropriate levels of active travel routes beyond the site in particular to education facilities to the north and into the existing cycle network to the south.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the proposal, the local ward councillor made a statement, and the applicant’s agent spoke in support.

Members’ concerns

Members questioned the transport modelling and wider network effects, and wanted more information about active travel routes to schools north of the site.

“During the ensuing debate concern was expressed in relation to the adequacy of transport modelling and the potential cumulative impacts of the development on the wider transport network. Members also felt that more information was needed in relation to active travel provision and particularly safe and active routes to primary and secondary schools to the north of the proposed development.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee deferred the application to seek assurances about active travel options and clarification of wider transport impacts and modelling.

“To seek assurance in relation to active travel options, including options to access existing schools to the north of Shrewsbury; and…”

“Further clarification on the impact on the wider transport network, including pinch points and how the modelling fits in with the Shrewsbury Moves Vision and Plan…”

Minutes