Plans for four-bedroom countryside home in Shropshire with gym and pool 'too good to refuse'

Designs of a proposed 'large self-build' house in the Shropshire countryside were considered to be so good that planners decided to allow it.

The mowed grass site near two rivers in Crudgington, north of Telford, is in an area where new residential development is generally restricted.

But Telford & Wrekin Council can allow "limited exceptions" to its polices, which include proposals for dwellings of "exceptional quality or innovative design".

Planning documents reveal that an agency called Design Midlands was called in to assess whether the plans crossed the threshold.

After a 'lengthy process' involving four reviews the plans were considered to have met the criteria.

Designs had been submitted by agents at Base Architecture, in Shrewsbury on behalf of client Mr Attrill Thorpe.

They show that the four bedroom house will include a pool and gym, car port, garage and workshop, a kitchen garden, outdoor seating and outdoor kitchen and dining.

Drainage experts at the council had objected because part of the 11,938 square metre site is in flood zones two and three, which are at a higher risk of flooding.

The rivers Tern and Strine converge at the edge of the site.

But documents show that the concerns of the officials have also been settled.

Waters Upton Parish Council had called in the application for it to be decided by a full planning committee.

But after the application was submitted the council adopted new rules.

Planning applications now cannot be automatically called in.

Applications now have to pass an official assessment before being decided by elected councillors.

In their assessment, officials stated that it "does not meet the gateway tests" to be referred.

"Accordingly, the application has been determined under delegated authority by officers," the report states.

"Waters Upton Parish Council have also confirmed in writing that they are happy for the scheme to be determined under delegated powers."

A local objector also said the site would be subject to noise and smells from a farm.

But the proposed house was considered to be far enough away with vegetation on its boundary.

In their conclusions, officials wrote that planners are "satisfied that the proposal represents an acceptable rural exception scheme.

"The principle of development is therefore considered acceptable and the erection of the dwelling would not result in significantly detrimental harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding rural area."

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