Ellesmere Housing Plan Draws Objections Over Concerns of Overdevelopment
A former councillor expressed frustration over proposed new housing in Ellesmere, reacting to Shropshire Homes’ latest plans for a development east of Teal Drive, a site that has faced previous opposition.
Background on the Site and Previous Proposals
Ten years ago, Shropshire Council rejected a 68-home proposal from David Wilson Homes (Mercia) for the same area because the Northern Planning Committee concluded it would cause “unacceptable harm” to the open countryside, outweighing the benefit of increased housing. An appeal against this decision was later dismissed by an inspectorate.
Current Proposal and Justifications
At a meeting of Ellesmere Town Council on November 3, Andrew Rogers, senior land manager at Shropshire Homes, explained the current scheme involves a smaller footprint of 4.5 acres. He argued that updated housing policies, introduced nearly a year ago, justify the application:
“The reason we believe the application is appropriate now is due to the update in housing numbers and planning policy that came into force almost 12 months ago.”
Rogers also highlighted a significant increase in housing targets for Shropshire, now set at 2,025 dwellings per annum.
Planning Policy Context
Plans have become complicated following the withdrawal of the new Shropshire Local Plan earlier this year, based on recommendations from central government inspectors. Currently, Shropshire Council lacks an emerging plan, and its existing Site Allocations and Management of Development (SAMDev) plan will expire next year.
Impact on Local Housing Strategy
- Increase in annual housing targets pressures local development decisions.
- Absence of a current local plan creates uncertainty in planning approvals.
Author's summary: The Ellesmere housing proposal, reduced in size but backed by updated policies, faces local opposition amid evolving Shropshire planning regulations and rising housing targets.