Shifnal meeting being held by MP over 'deep concerns' about housing plans

An MP is holding a community meeting over ‘deep concern’ about the number of housing applications focussed on Shifnal.

Wrekin Conservative MP, Mark Pritchard, said the meeting would take place next month - October.

Shifnal has been the focus of significant housing development in recent years, and continues to be the subject of a number of development proposals.

Mr Pritchard said the meeting would be a chance for residents to send a message to Shropshire Council and the government that ‘any further proposals need to be put forward in consultation with the community, and not against their wishes’ - including any proposed sites in a future draft of Shropshire Council’s Local Plan.

The MP said: "Shifnal and surrounding areas have taken more than their fair share of housing over recent years.

“This is putting growing pressure on social infrastructure such as schools, doctor's surgeries, and dental provision, as well as physically infrastructure like local roads and drainage.

"I am calling this meeting to rally local people in support of my campaign to protect Shifnal's green belt, green spaces, and open areas.

"I am not against housing, but housing needs to be in the right areas and at the right scale. Both Liberal-Democrat led Shropshire Council and Labour housing ministers need to understand there is a sustainable limit on the number of houses Shifnal can take.

"Yes, there is the need for more affordable housing, but those houses should not be built on green belt. It is about striking the right balance.”

The meeting will be held at Shifnal Village Hall on Friday, October 30.

Mr Pritchard said he will also launch a survey in early October, via his Facebook page, to ask people whether they support his plans to try and restrict where new housing is built and to try and reduce the number of houses planned.