Councillors asked to support campaign against Bridgnorth shopping development

The Chamber of Commerce in the town are fighting against plans to build five retail units on the Smithfield car park, resulting in the loss of 145 car parking spaces.

Shropshire Council passed the plans but the Secretary State made the decision to put the application by Ziran Ltd before a public inquiry in November.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to fund a legal challenge against the proposal.

Councillors at Bridgnorth Town Council – who have previously voted against the development – were asked to consider backing the campaign at a meeting on Tuesday evening.

Mayor Ron Whittle put forward the notion but the committee decided against supporting the campaign.

He said: "The Chamber of Commerce are fighting to retain the car park by putting in representations to the calling in hearing.

"We as a council have several times voted against the development of the shops. I have no fixed view one way or the another. I thought because of that vote councillors had a opportunity to discuss it and decide whether they wish to support the chamber of commerce and if so what support we will take."

If the campaign is unsuccessful, the plan would see retail units built on land between Sainsbury’s and The Medical Centre.

Councillor Julia Buckey suggested spending a 'very small amount of money' to invest in a 'much more detailed' environmental habitat survey on the site instead, adding: "I have a concern about setting a precedent. This council voted more than once to reject the planning permission which was then passed. If support this legal appeal we will then have to explain why we don't support every legal appeal.

"Once you start a precedent it's hard to say we will support one group but not another and for that reason I urge councillors to be cautious about urging one."

So far, more than 8,000 have backed a campaign against the Smithfield development.

Councillor Edward Marshall expressed concerns over the 'significant' reduction of parking in the town.

He suggested making a contribution of £500.

He said: "I no longer come into this town on Saturday's - I ignore it. I'm against precedent in some respect however, the council and a lot of the public have said they're against it. I think it would be appropriate to make a nominal contribution of £500."

Despite this, councillors decided to take no action to support the chamber's campaign.