Fears for new homes on Church Stretton estate car park

Talks are taking place over whether to build single-bed units on a car park at Ley Gardens and Lawley Close, a social housing estate aimed at the over 50s on the edge of Church Stretton.

Shropshire Housing Group has confirmed it is considering building on the car park, but says no decisions have been made over the details.

Mary Montague, a resident who is not officially on the estate but has a house that borders the car park where the new development will be, said she and others who did live in social housing there were concerned.

The estate was only build in recent years, with a mix of rental and part-purchase properties.

She said when people moved in they were not told the terraces might be built on the car park and may end up being used to house people with specific support needs.

She said two meetings had taken place over the matter with estate residents, though she had not been allowed to attend as she was a private home owner.

She said: "They're planning to take the car parking area and put five single units on it. It's right on the other side of my hedge.

"It's bad enough that they will be losing their car park and getting these terraces that don't fit in with the rest of the houses there.

"But people feel fearful because they have been told they might be used to house people recovering from alcohol or drug abuse or mental illness.

"I understand that people have problems and need support but this is on the edge of town and a bit far away from anything and there's only one warden on the site."

But Vicki Coleman, speaking for Shropshire Housing Group, said options were still being discussed and it was likely the area would be used for more bungalows for the elderly, which were in high demand in Church Stretton.

She said: "Shropshire Housing Group have consulted local residents about the use of an under-utilised parking court with one of the possible uses being for the development of much needed affordable bungalows for frail and elderly residents to compliment the group’s Ley Gardens development."

Matthew Hill, head of development at Shropshire Housing Group said: "As residents pay a service charge for the parking area we have discussed options with them and have taken on board their views. No decisions have been made and we will continue to work with the community as necessary."

No planning application has been submitted to Shropshire Council as yet.