Issue - meetings

This was an outline application for the erection of around 80no. dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping works on land North of St Georges Bypass, St Georges, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 9LF on land north/east of Greenways Farm Shop, Off Church Street, St Georges, Telford, Shropshire.

At its meeting on the 23 October Members agreed that the application be deferred in order to request the applicant consider a reduction in the number of dwellings.

Councillor S Handley, Ward Councillor spoke against the application, who was not against new developments, but felt careful consideration needed to be given to where they were built.  He raised concerns regarding the windfall site, which was a speculative development, the additional pressure on health services, schools, the local highway and the village being used as a shortcut for traffic, the historical land and the moat, damage to the local wildlife habitat and if a newt survey had been undertaken.  The land was currently used for organic grazing and the loss would be disappointing.  The lease on the land housing the farmhouse was due for renewal within five years and he considered that this could lead to further housing and highway impact.

Councillor R Tyrrell, adjoint Ward Councillor, raised concerns on the speculative application.  The land was not identified in the Local Plan and there had been.  There had recently been two developments in the locality already completed with a further development east of Priorslee underway.  The site house an historic Roman moat and Policy BE8 sought to protect to archaeological heritage.  Concerns were raised regarding drainage and the flood risk assessment and the lack of compliance with policies ER11 and ER12, highway impact and the speed of the traffic of 60mph.

Mr A Whittle, member of the public, spoke against the application and raised concerns regarding the lack of consultation, residents’ views not being taken into consideration, impact on the historical site, a recent blue light traffic incident on the proposed access to the site, a recent water shortage and the grading of the pumping stations, the site of the tree planting and lack of privacy.

Mr P J Triplow, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application.  The masterplan had now been amended from 100 dwellings to around 80 dwellings with open space increasing from 9,000 to 10,000 square metres.  Two continuous green corridors running across the site had now been incorporated which increased the green space offer, widened the public right of way and brought forward biodiversity on the site.  Included was an informal play space and two areas for community growing.  The apartment building had now been removed and a zone suitable for bungalows had been identified.   Facing rear windows would be no closer than 21m and there would continue to be a 5m development free zone to protect the moat.  Density fell to 17 dwellings per hectare with the inclusion of the open space.  A S106 Agreement would deliver improvements to healthcare, education, highway safety and green infrastructure.

The Planning Officer informed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21