93 affordable homes at Proposed Residential Development Land East Of Ford, Shrewsbury

What was proposed

The application proposed 93 affordable homes with access, roads, open space, landscaping, drainage, a school drop-off area and other works.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of 93 dwellings, comprising 100% affordable housing, together with associated access, internal roads, public open space, landscaping, drainage infrastructure and other ancillary works on land to the east of Ford.”

“Vehicular access is proposed via a new priority junction onto But Lane, supported by off-site highway works including a new pedestrian crossing and improved footway connections. The development also includes a dedicated onsite school drop-off and short-stay parking facility, intended to serve the adjacent Trinity C of E Primary School and to alleviate existing on-street parking pressures.”

Officer report

The site

The site was agricultural land at Ford’s south-eastern edge, beside existing homes, open countryside, the A458, But Lane and a primary school.

“The application site is located on land to the south-eastern edge of Ford, immediately adjoining the existing built-up area, with residential development to the north and west and open countryside beyond to the east. The A458 forms a strong southern boundary to the site, with But Lane running along its western edge and providing the proposed point of access. Trinity C of E Primary School is located directly opposite the site on But Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier advice and history

Pre-application advice found the site acceptable in principle but identified access, highways, landscaping, biodiversity and noise constraints.

“This site has been the subject of pre-application advice, through the Council’s Speculative Sites Pre-Application service. The response given was that the site represented an acceptable location for development in regard to its spatial relationship with the settlement of Ford; however, it was acknowledged there were a number of constraints needing to be overcome including access, highways, landscaping and biodiversity, and noise amenity.”

Officer report

Public views

Ninety-three members of the public and neighbours objected, while two local business operators supported the housing, economic benefits and school drop-off facility.

“A total of 93 members of the public and neighbours have objected to the proposals, with the following providing a summary of the cited material planning considerations:”

“- the delivery of affordable housing, - assistance in meeting housing targets, - potential economic benefits to local businesses, and - the inclusion of a school drop-off facility to help manage congestion.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member of the public, the parish council, the local ward councillor and the applicants’ representative addressed the committee.

Members’ concerns

Members questioned the number and mix of homes, traffic calming, school access, habitat and ridge-and-furrow losses, and the evidence of local housing need.

“During discussion members expressed the following concerns…”

“The proposals for 93 affordable dwellings would add a disproportionate number of dwellings and would adversely alter the mix of housing in the settlement • 93 dwellings constituted over development of the site • The proposed alterations to the existing traffic calming measure could adversely affect highway safety • The proposed access point could create a hazard during school drop off and pick up • The loss of the historic ridge and furrow and high-quality habitats would…”

Minutes

The vote

Following a vote, the committee resolved to refuse permission contrary to the officer recommendation.

“That contrary to officer recommendation planning permission be refused for the following reasons:”

Minutes