AN APPEAL to build 50 homes in Wem has been thrown out.

Planning inspector Ian Radcliffe said the proposal for land between Aston Road and Church Lane would not fit in with the development plan and would not be sustainable.

His decision follows a public hearing at Shirehall in Shrewsbury in June 2016, followed by another hearing three months later.

Mr Radcliffe added: “The loss of agricultural land to development would not have a significant adverse economic effect.

"However, this has to be balanced against the demonstrable harm that would be caused to the countryside and landscape through the loss to development of over two hectares of pleasant attractive open countryside.”

The proposal by K. and P. Broomhall was initially refused by members of the North Shropshire Planning Committee in October 2015, despite being recommended by officers.

Councillors felt it would have a detrimental visual impact, cause environmental harm to the land, which is in agricultural use, and would increase traffic using the railway crossing in Wem.