'Voyeurism and accidental observation' - Naturists object to 450-homes in Telford over fears they will be left exposed
Naturists have objected to a scheme to build 450 houses in Telford – because they fear they will be overlooked by home-owners.
Members of Telford Naturist Club warned of the risk of voyeurism or “accidental observation”.
An objection on behalf of the club’s base, Windings Caravan Site, raised concerns about the proposal.
However, the development, at Redhill Way, Telford, off the A5, was given the go-ahead by planners despite the objections.
As part of the development cars will gain access from a new roundabout built on the A5 at the southern end of the site.
The site, which is in the Donnington and Muxton parish, will take up 31 hectares of greenfield land currently used as arable farmland. There were objections from local residents, with 34 people writing to Telford & Wrekin Council to register their dissatisfaction with the plans.
St George’s and Priorslee Parish Council also criticised the development for being outside the local plan area. Others voiced concerns about over-development and the use of green land.
The caravan site, which is used by Telford Naturist Club, had warned that the development could affect its business.
A report considered by a planning committee stated: “An objection has been received on behalf of the Windings Caravan site that is occupied by the Telford Naturist Club.
“The club is located to the north of the site and is accessed along Grange Lane. Concerns have been raised regarding the risk of voyeurism and accidental observation of the members of the club by future residents of the development that could lead to complaints from members of the public and/or make the club less attractive to naturists that could affect its viability.”
Under the terms of the application no one will be allowed to live on the site until the associated M54 junction four and five schemes are completed.
Planning officers recommended approving the outline planning application, saying it would bring jobs and cash contributions from the developer towards leisure and highway improvements.
The scheme will provide up to 158 affordable homes. and contributions will be requested for upgrading primary and secondary education, highways infrastructure, public transport and leisure facilities.
In the report to the committee, planning officer Daniel Owen said: “The proposal would provide employment through the short to medium term jobs that would be created during the construction of the development and in the longer term through jobs created at the proposed pub and retail uses.
“In addition there would be an economic benefit from the additional spending that would be generated in the local economy to support businesses and services. This would be a benefit of the proposal.
“The provision of additional market housing is also a benefit of the proposal, however this is regarded as being only a limited benefit as the council can demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land.”
