Shropshire Star

Call for land in failed Telford factory bid to be designated for homes

An MP wants land near Telford that is lined up for employment development to be designated "for residential use only".

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Mark Pritchard

Mark Pritchard for the Wrekin will meet with the chair of Homes England today to discuss land in Shawbirch and Apley.

In January Telford & Wrekin Council withdrew its plans for an industrial park north and east of the Shawbirch roundabout, after an outcry from residents.

But the council stressed at the time that the land has been zoned for employment development since the 1970s.

Mr Pritchard said: "I am opposed to the borough council building huge industrial buildings near residential areas and where the land is more suitable for proportionate numbers of houses.

"Whether it's Shawbirch or Apley, it appears the borough council are not listening to local residents.

"I want to reflect the concerns of local voices like that of Councillor Anthony Lowe who has raised his concerns on numerous occasions with the borough council's leadership."

In January, when the plans were withdrawn, council leader Shaun Davies said: "It is of course important to recognise, as many do including local councillors, that this land is designated for employment use and has been for over 40 years.

"But any development that may come forward in future must of course be appropriate and subject to a specific planning application and to consultation.”

The land in question is owned by Homes England, and is tipped for “employment use” in the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan.

Also at today's meeting will be the local government minister, Jake Berry, and leader of the Conservative group on Telford & Wrekin Council, Andrew Eade.