'Our Shropshire village is at a maximum capacity': Plans for 70 homes on outskirts of village recieve backlash from locals

At the end of October, developer Boningale Homes revealed plans to build 70 new homes on a four-hectare site north of Tilstock, three miles from Whitchurch.  

The new builds would be made up of a series of one to four bedroom homes, several of which would be available for social, affordable or intermediate rent.

Boningale Homes said the development would "be highly desirable" with a "strong identity and distinct sense of place" that would integrate with the existing community.

But the existing community don't seem too convinced. In just over three weeks, 61 objections have been lodged in opposition to the plans.

Some of the commenters raised safety concerns about the B5476 that would provide access to the new development.

One such objector, Mr Hughes wrote: "The site entrance is located between 2 'S' type bends and this makes the road view very restrictive no matter which way you approach it. 

"On completion of the site, the number of vehicles coming and going would be in serious danger of being hit as they exit from the site. Drivers on the main carriageway just would not see them until it was too late."

Mrs Thompson agreed: "The proposed access to the B5476 is dangerous, lying between two s-shaped blind bends where there has already been a fatality."

Another, Mrs Corfield, added: "I regularly see traffic come to a total standstill as large vehicles, such as tractors, lorries and buses struggle to pass one another. More traffic would exacerbate an already dangerous situation."

Others argued the development was just too big for the small village.

Mrs Cope wrote: "70 houses in addition to the 50 already built is completely out of proportion to the size of Tilstock and would spoil the character of our ancient village."

Another, Mr Perkins, wrote: "If this were to go ahead then we would lose what little privacy we have left. It seems building has been taken place over the last five plus years and I believe, as a village, Tilstock is now at a maximum capacity."

One objector, Dr Betts, wrote: "I feel the size of the development relative to a small village is disproportionate and would forever change the character of the village, and much will be lost."

A spokesperson for Boningale Homes said: “We are pleased to be progressing with our exciting plans for much-needed new homes in Tilstock.

“The development would bring quality new houses to the village, boosting rural vitality and allowing younger people to settle in the area. A total of 15% of properties would be affordable and new access to surrounding green spaces created for increased leisure opportunities.

“There will also be two new equipped play areas for children to enjoy, while existing hedgerows and trees will be accommodated within the site wherever possible

“We are a local, dependable builder with a passion for sensible and sustainable development. We welcome feedback and comments as this proposal takes the next step in the planning process.”

The application is open to consultation until December 13, and available to view online at Shropshire Council's planning portal using reference number: 24/04176/FUL