‘Power of the people’ stops Telford industrial park
People power has defeated a controversial planning application for a new industrial park in Telford, a councillor said today.
More than 1,000 people objected to the plans for land north and east of the Shawbirch roundabout – and Councillor Bill Tomlinson said it was a great example of what happens when people come together.
The outline application would have seen a building over 130ft tall and covering 80,000 square metres of land built, but it has now been withdrawn.
“It has been remarkable,” Councillor Tomlinson said.
“People came together and took the initiative. This was such a serious issue – not just because of the structure, but because of the real genuine concerns over emissions from these factories. A huge thank you to everybody. It has made a real difference.”
The land in question is owned by Homes England, and is tipped for “employment use” in the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan.
Action
Residents near to the planned site came together to form an action group, and was planning to protest against the plans with demonstrations and representatives at Telford & Wrekin Council meetings.
Dozens of new objections were being added every day, and people involved said they would do whatever it took to get the plans overturned.
But on Monday Telford & Wrekin Council announced that it was suggesting the plans be withdrawn, and on Tuesday the council confirmed that they were no longer being considered.
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Shaun Davies, leader of the council, said it was clear that the outline application had "caused considerable concern among residents and councillors".
He said: “It is of course important to recognise, as many do including local councillors, that this land is designated for employment use and has been for over 40 years – but any development that may come forward in future must of course be appropriate and subject to a specific planning application and to consultation.”
Those against the plans said that they would have had a massive impact on around 15,000 people who live within two miles of the site.
The group said the industrial park would hurt local transport links, have an impact on residents with chronic illnesses and be a blot on the landscape.
