Government minister asked to step in over Newport houses row
A Government minister has been asked to intervene over plans to build more 120 homes near Newport.
Councillor Andrew Eade, ward member for Church Aston and Lilleshall, said he would do anything he could to save green space south of Station Road, and that he was expecting a response from Under Secretary of State for Housing Jake Berry in the coming weeks.
The controversial plans, which were accepted by Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning team earlier this year, would see 120 homes built on the land.
Councillor Eade said he wants the scheme to be reconsidered, and that the land should be handed over to local residents to use.
He said Newport was short of open space and the site was valued very highly as an local amenity.
“It’s used as a nature area, somewhere to walk the dogs. It’s very attractive, the entrance to Newport itself. The council own the site, it’s on council land, and they’ve given themselves planning permission to build 120 houses on the space," said Councillor Eade.
“I’ve asked the minister, Jake Berry MP, to intervene. He’s going to look into it. It’s a long shot, but we’re very keen to stop that land being developed.”
Councillor Eade said that he would rather the site be given to the public.
Criticised
“We would like to give it to the local community,” he said. “Something that can be enjoyed by local residents in Newport. The homes aren’t needed to satisfy housing requirements.
“I’m determined to do everything I can to maintain this green space. it’s greatly used by the community and they would welcome the continued use of that site.”
Newport councillors criticised the plans when they were still being discussed. Councillor Tim Nelson described it as a “land grab for 30 pieces of silver”, and “deranged over-development”.
He said: “The word objection does not cover the frustration and the anger that Telford & Wrekin council are setting out to conquer the last remaining green space in Newport.”
Councillor Eric Carter also spoke in opposition to the plans. He said: “I have lived in Newport since 1974 and I remember all the green fields we had around Newport and in 43 years they have nearly all disappeared and the little bit we have left is now going to go.”
