A PROPOSAL to demolish Pauls Moss to make way for a new medical centre has been rejected by North Shropshire Planning Committee.

In a tense and emotional planning meeting, the decision came down to the planning officer’s recommendation after the eight committee members were split 4-4 on their decision.

The planning officer’s recommendation was to reject the proposals, with the report saying the demolition of Pauls Moss would cause “total loss of a non-designated heritage asset and substantial harm to the significance of the conservation area”.

Several members of the public spoke in front of the board to make their case, with favouring the application.

The majority of speakers said they would like to keep Pauls Moss, but not in favour of a new medical centre.

Whitchurch resident Anthony Smith said the project should go ahead, a sentiment followed by several other speakers.

But councillors were split between the conflicting considerations, with all appreciating the need for new medical provisions, while also wanting to avoid the demolition of a historic building.