Shropshire Star

Ever Ready factory: Go-ahead for 152 houses on Telford site

The controversial development of 152 houses on the former site of a battery factory has got the go-ahead after councillors were assured contaminants in the ground would be properly dealt with.

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The former Ever Ready factory in Hinkshay Road

Building work on the Ever Ready site off Hinkshay Road in Dawley, Telford, will proceed after councillors were given evidence that removing chemicals in the soil would not harm peopleurt the people who already live in the area, nor cause any issues to future residents.

Officers at the meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee last night said that they were happy that the issue would be sufficiently dealt with.

They told residents who attended that they would do further tests on the ground to ensure that the land was fit for human use when the work was done.

Resident Christine Jones said more checks were needed to ensure the health of those currently living near the site.

But Paul Costiff, on behalf of applicant Countryside Properties, said that stringent checks had been done and that they would ensure the ground was fit for purpose.

“Previous use has left us with a legacy of contaminated soil,” he said.

“However, I believe this presents an opportunity.to use our regeneration expertise to clean up this site and develop an attractive residential area and contribute to this council’s housing needs.”

The site on the edge of Telford Town Park has been empty since the Ever Ready factory was demolished in June 1995.

The electrical firm set up its factory in Hinkshay Road in August 1956 and in its boom years more than 1,000 people – mainly women – worked there.