Plans submitted for new homes on former sports club site in Shrewsbury

The sports club in Albert Road closed its doors in 2015, and it was later revealed that the land was to be re-purposed for housing on the condition that a replacement bowling green was provided at Sundorne Sports Village.

Proposals for the site have now been submitted to Shropshire Council by Bromford Housing Group, after planning permission was granted for the new bowling green at the sports village last May.

The housing association says the development will provide accommodation for adults with long-term support needs in the form of a ‘MyPlace’ block of 14 apartments, as well as 12 affordable homes.

But people living nearby have objected to the scheme, saying it will add to existing parking problems on a narrow and congested street. Shrewsbury Town Council has also objected to the development on these grounds.

A planning statement by Berrys, agent to the housing association, says: “The applicant, Bromford, is a well-respected housing association that has a good track record of providing MyPlace supported accommodation in the West Midlands.

“Using its extensive experience, it proposes a well-designed scheme with a mix of one, two and three bedroomed dwellings and a block of 14 supported flats with a community hub.

“The proposed buildings meet modern standards, will not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring dwellings and will blend with the existing character of Albert Road.

'Substantial benefits'

“The economic and social benefits of affordable housing and supported accommodation are substantial.

“Although the re-development of the bowling green will result in the loss of open space, it was not public open space but a private facility.

“The development will substitute private gardens that are consistent with the character of the surrounding area.

“There is sufficient public open space in the area to meet local needs.”

A letter of support from Shropshire Council’s adult services department says adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health support needs are often placed out of the county due to a shortage of suitable accommodation.

It adds: “We fully support the MyPlace development in Shrewsbury and, once built, are confident the need will be there and we will be able to fill the units with ease.”

The designs show a total of 22 parking spaces for the houses and eight for the MyPlace block, due to the likelihood that most residents would be unable to drive. The planning statement adds that the site is well connected to public transport.

Despite this, 40 objections have so far been lodged from members of the public, largely citing concerns over parking and traffic.

Shrewsbury Town Council’s planning committee discussed the application at a meeting on Tuesday evening, and voted unanimously to object.

Narrow road

Councillor Kevin Pardy said: “I believe this is over-development of the area.

“Albert Road itself is very narrow, there are a lot of cars parking on that road and there’s great difficulty in passing.

“I think this is ill-thought, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Councillor Pardy said he was concerned there was “an element of pre-determination” in that the application for the new bowling green – for which the housing association will provide funding – had already been granted.

He added: “I’m not happy about that and I will be following it up.”

Councillor Becky Wall added: “I agree with Kevin, it’s over-development. Down there it is so tight for parking. It’s just going to be an absolute nightmare.”

The application will now be decided by Shropshire Council.