Plans for 150 homes recommended for approval

Plans to build 150 homes on the edge of a Shropshire village have been recommended for approval.

The development proposed by Wain Estates (Land) Ltd would be built on 4.3 hectares (10.6 acres) of land north of Kingswood Road in Albrighton.

Concerns have been raised by the public about the potential increase in traffic and loss of green space but Shropshire Council's planning officers said the site was a "sustainable location".

The project is set to be discussed by the authority's planning committee next Tuesday.

In a report to the committee, planning officers said: "The contribution the development would make to the delivery of housing in Shropshire should carry significant weight in decision making."

Councillor Nigel Lumby, who represents Albrighton, complained there was no means to link the proposed development and the nearby Boningale Homes scheme.

"This lack of connectivity is a significant concern as it hinders the integration of the two communities and the sharing of amenities," he said.

He highlighted traffic concerns, particularly at the junction with the A41, as well as pedestrian and cyclist safety issues on Beamish Lane.

Wain Estates said the development would also include an additional 1.55 hectares (3.8 acres) for open space and habitat creation.

It said the development would offer affordable homes, green streets, connections into adjacent schemes, a "walkable neighbourhood", retention of existing trees and new habitats.

A statement with the application said the feedback from the community was mostly about the loss of countryside and that residents' views were "key in shaping the applicant's understanding of the site and the proposed scheme".

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

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