Homes plan for former NHS building

Councillors will vote this week on whether to grant outline permission for the development of the Bowring Hall site, in Wellington.

Some nearby residents object to plans to create a new driveway on Holyhead Road.

The site is currently accessed at its east end, but Bowring Developments Ltd plan to move to a central position, which would mean moving the existing traffic island 11 metres out of its way.

A report before councillors points out that the three-storey hall was previously owned by the National Health Service, but is now disused, and borders Bowring Park on its north and west sides.

The Wellington-based developers plan to create seven two-bedroom flats in the building itself and nine brand new houses, including five bungalows.

The report notes that the 20 letters received from neighbours contained some supportive points, including the views that “the existing building is an eyesore in its current condition” and “it is positive that Bowring Hall is being brought back into use”.

However, summarising the objections, the report author writes: “The proposed access will be opposite the petrol station, and Holyhead Road has fast and dangerous traffic. It would be safer to retain the existing access and widen it rather than move it closer to the petrol station.”

They add that some residents of Carvers Close, which is directly to the east of Bowring Hall, worry that the proposed six-foot fence around the site will overshadow their gardens, some of which are less than 20ft long.

They also point out that the site would have a density of 42 dwellings per hectare (dph), far exceeding the 30dph recommendation contained in the 2012 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

Telford and Wrekin Council’s nine-member planning committee will consider the application when it meets on Wednesday, January 9. Council officers recommend they grant outline planning permission.

By Alex Moore - Local Democracy Reporter