Business park extension refused over woodland loss

Plans to extend a business park have been refused by Shropshire Council after it said the loss of a popular community woodland would be "unacceptable."

Commercial units would have been built on around 9,000 sq metres of land next to Tern Valley Business Park, Market Drayton under the outline scheme.

The planning application led to an outcry from residents, followed by a sustained campaign to save the area known locally as Damson Wood Walk.

Campaigners said they were "overjoyed and ecstatic" that the plan had been refused, and they were willing to "keep fighting hard" for what they think is important for the local community.

It was one of three linked applications which would have seen a community woodland area created near the River Tern to help offset the loss of the existing space, and a small residential development on Buntingsdale Road.

Applicants Healey Estates said the proposal was a "high quality, sustainable development" which would create employment opportunities amid considerable demand for commercial floorspace in north Shropshire.

But council planners said it would represent an overdevelopment in the area, and the loss of "highly valued" woodland would be unacceptable.

The trees were originally planted as a buffer between the commercial site and nearby residential properties.

A total of 720 objections were raised by residents and campaigners from "Save Damson Wood" during the consultation period, including from North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and Market Drayton Town Council.

It was really important to protect the woodland, due to the "amazing wildlife and trees in this beautiful place," said campaigner Elliott Powell, who added the group were considering buying the land to preserve it for future generations.

The applicant's linked scheme to create a community woodland on the south of the site was also refused.

The remaining linked application for three affordable properties on nearby Buntingsdale Road was refused in March.

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

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