Outdoor visitor hub at National Trust Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury

What was proposed

The application proposed an outdoor hub with visitor facilities, parking, trails, play areas, habitat improvements and refurbished runway features.

“Proposal: Outdoor hub building with visitor welcome area, cafe, food/beverage kiosks, kitchen, toilets, staff welfare facilities, bike hire/maintenance. Car park with electric vehicle charging, associated infrastructure, overflow parking. Interpretation and refurbishment of former WWII runway and aerodrome. New and restored site routes, 13km of trails, wildlife viewing and childrens play areas, cycle skills tracks.”

“Facilities across the Site including children's play and wildlife viewing areas, and stand-alone shelters. The aim is to provide features unique to the Site which are not present at Attingham Park and would provide structured and adventurous activity, and explorative play equipment such as a zip wire experience, timber tower play feature, agricultural play, activity trail, woodland adventure play and a barefoot experience, in addition to a primary equipped play area.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 27.5-hectare site is underused agricultural land on a former RAF airfield beside the business park, River Tern and B4394.

“The proposed ~27.5 hectare Site is located approximately 8km to the east of Shrewsbury Town Centre, and 5km from the A5 on its outskirts. It falls within the eastern extent of the NT Attingham Park Estate, although is not included in the EH Historic Park and Garden designation which contains the Grade I Listed main house.”

“The Site is currently underutilised agricultural land which has previously been in crop production, and which contains an existing informal network of paths. Historically it was heathland and opened as active airfield RAF Atcham in 1940 during WWII, operating as such until being de-commissioned in 1957 when it was released back into NT ownership. Following this the former airfield technical site became the business park.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the proposed development site, although the wider estate has substantial planning history.

“None relevant to the proposed development site, however there is substantial planning history covering the Attingham Park Estate.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways officers raised no fundamental objection subject to agreements and conditions, while ecology, landscape, drainage and conservation consultees found the proposal acceptable.

“Overall, there do not appear to be any areas where a fundamental highways objection on the grounds of highway safety or capacity could be raised. The local junction at Norton Crossroads has demonstrated a worsening safety record, however this appears to be a matter of highway surface quality that is due for remediation.”

“SC Drainage (23/06/25) - The proposed drainage strategy is acceptable in principle and the LLFA welcomes the use of swales to convey surface water. Pre- commencement conditions recommended in relation to a scheme of foul and surface water drainage, and finalisation of the drainage strategy.”

Officer report

What local people said

Most comments supported the idea but objected to the proposed access, traffic, road safety, business impacts, environmental effects and consultation.

“- Potentially large increase in traffic through Atcham village, particularly at the dangerous 6-way junction. - Increased danger to pedestrians crossing the road to and from the bus stop. - Hereford Storage Ltd, as the owner of the proposed access from the development to the B4394 is not willing to allow use of over this road. - There will be likely delays in accessing and leaving the business park and disruption to its operations, undermining its success.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Representatives for a business and a parish council spoke against the proposal, the local councillor made a statement, and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members generally welcomed the proposal while recognising concerns about road safety and access, which officers said could be addressed through the highways agreement.

“Members generally welcomed the proposals but recognised the objectors concerns with regards to road safety and access. Officer advised that these could be addressed as part of the S278 highways agreement process.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to habitat and biodiversity agreements, a highways agreement, and delegated authority to finalise conditions.

“That in accordance to the officer recommendation, planning permission be granted subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement to secure the provision of a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and Biodiversity Gain Land Monitoring contribution (and S106 Monitoring fee) and a S278 Highways agreement and that delegated powers be given to officers to refine and set the text for the conditions set out in Appendix 2…”

Minutes