Plans for 90 homes on Whitchurch fields unveiled

Proposals for the houses, which would be built on two grassed fields off Alport Road, Whitchurch, have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The site would include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, with 10 per of the new homes being affordable housing.

Outline plans for the homes were given planning permission in 2014 despite opposition from residents who were concerned about the increase in traffic, loss of open views across the fields and loss of public footpaths.

Richard Denison, case officer for Shropshire Council, said: “The main objection to the application from local residents relates to the use of Alport Road to provide the vehicular access for the site.

“Highway safety concerns are raised that the road was only considered suitable to accommodation 60 further dwellings, although the application indicates up to 90 dwellings.

“The site is a preferred allocated housing site within the SAMDev process although the scale of development indicated as part of the application submission is in excess of that being promoted.

“The proposal indicates that the site will be accessed onto Alport Road which is lit and subject to a 30 mph speed limit. The application has been supported by a Transport Assessment which considers the sustainability of the site in promoting alternative transport modes other than by car.

“In terms of walking, the site is located some 850 metres from the town centre which is considered an acceptable walking distance to gain access to local services.”

Mr Denison said the Highways Authority had requested a new footway from the site access along the southern side of Alport Road, to connect to the existing footpath to the rear boundary of the hospital.

He added: “Given the site location in the context of Whitchurch, cycling is a realistic transport mode both in term of accessing the town centre but to the whole of Whitchurch. In terms of public transport accessibility,The site is within 400 metres of the bus stop on Blakemoor Close located adjacent to the Hospital which links to Service 205 town centre bus service.

“The site is located within 1.4 km of the Whitchurch Railway Station which is within reasonable walking distance but well within cycling distance from the site.”

Applicant Wainhomes added: “Where possible, the houses are positioned to look out onto the open space and the wider open landscape, rather than turning their back to it.

“The proposed development will not result in the loss of any category A or category B trees.

“Suitable enhancement will be provided with specimen tree planting at key locations throughout the site.”