Homes plan would destroy vital conservation area, say campaigners
New houses would destroy a vital conservation area on the outskirts of Bridgnorth and threaten more development, campaigners have warned .
Plans for seven homes are recommended to be given the go-ahead at a planning meeting next week.
But they are being opposed by members of Bridgnorth Civic Society, who today warned they could be the thin end of the wedge.
Applicant The Planning Group Ltd claims the development is in a sustainable location, on land south of the A458 off Oldbury Road.
They have already been thrown out twice before, but they will discussed again at Shropshire Council's south planning committee on Tuesday – and now they are being recommended for approval by the council's planning department.
The plans have also been objected to by Bridgnorth Town Council, which claims the houses would be an inappropriate over-development and have a detrimental impact on the rural character of Oldbury.
Dr Chris Jephcott, President of the Bridgnorth and District Civic Society, said: "There hasn't been any new development in Oldbury because it is such an important conservation area.
"These seven large houses would bring the boundary of Oldbury closer to Bridgnorth.
"We also fear if this was given approval it would open the floodgates for many more developments.
"If this one was deemed to be okay, why would there not more in the future?
"A development of this nature would completely change the character of the whole area and it's been strongly objected to by many residents in the village, who have gone out of their to write against the application individually.
"We just hope Shropshire Council sees sense and rejects this for a third time."
Martin Parish, managing director of The Planning Group Ltd, said the company was already appealing against the last application, which was turned down by Shropshire Council.
He said; "This application has been recommended for approval and we maintain this is a sustainable location .
"It would be a superb development for area and will contribute to the area's housing needs."
The plans, which will be discussed at a meeting in Shirehall, have received 21 letters of objection about the potential impact on the conservation area and semi-rural character of the village.
Further complaints include insufficient infrastructure for schools and shopping, a lack of public transport and employment opportunities, and an increased level of traffic.
