Decision day for bid to build 107 Broseley houses

Controversial proposals to build more than 100 homes in Broseley might now be passed after developers promised to build affordable properties, campaigners fear.

Nearly 300 residents living near the proposed development on Dark Lane in Broseley have objected to the scheme, which was for 114 homes until developers reduced the number by seven.

Shropshire Council's south planning committee is due to make a decision on the application during a meeting today but planning officers had previously recommended it should be turned down.

A report to the meeting said the application should be thrown out because the developer was 'not prepared to provide the amount of affordable housing required'.

It is believed Bloor Homes has since told the council more affordable homes would be provided – and residents fear the application will now be given the green light.

Those objecting to the application say the new homes would 'destroy the quaint and rural nature of Broseley and spoil views of the town from the approach along Dark Lane' and called the reduction in homes from 114 to 107 a 'token gesture'.

Melinda Evans, from Broseley, said: "People in the Broseley community are furious as not one of their concerns have been addressed.

"It seems that both the Government and councils do not care about people's concerns. People are not being listened to and concerns are not being addressed.

"This is not democracy.

"People think the plans are being turned down, but there is every possibility that today these plans are going to be passed.

"I think it's urgent that people know what's happening.

"They have a right to know, it's their community and they should have the right to have a say on its future."

Shropshire Council's highways department has said it does not believe the traffic generated would adversely affect the road network.

Officers have said the proposed development would be in keeping with the area, would not affect neighbours and there was no land stability, archaeological or ecological issues.

The planning committee is expected to carry out a site visit to Dark Lane at 11.30am today before the meeting at the council's offices in Westgate, Bridgnorth, at 2pm.