A decision on controversial plans for 100 new homes to be built on the edge of Wem has been put off.

Members of Shropshire Council’s northern planning committee did not support the proposals, but deferred a final decision to a future meeting on the advice of council officers.

The proposals by Metacre Ltd relate to an area of land off Lowe Hill Road, and follow a decision by county planning officers last year to refuse a similar application on the grounds that it would lead to “significant visual and biodiversity harm”.

Officers said the revised plans addressed their concerns and had recommended the scheme be approved by the committee, but councillors were not convinced said they did not believe it was necessary to extend the proposed site into a neighbouring field as proposed.

The developer claimed a gas pipe and existing trees made part of the allocated site unsuitable for building on, and said the extra land was needed to ensure the full 100 houses could be delivered.

Wem Town Council deputy mayor Geoff Soul told the committee the town council objected to the proposed development of un-allocated greenfield land.

He said: “The onus is on the developers to demonstrate there are exceptional reasons why this should be permitted.

“We are not talking about a neat extension of a strip alongside this land, this is a rectangular area sticking out further for a distance of 150 metres into open countryside away from any likely future planning boundary.”

Councillor Edward Towers, one of the town’s two Shropshire Councillors, said that while the town’s residents accepted a need for new homes there were serious concerns surrounding the development, particularly over drainage and road safety.

Councillor Towers added that serious changes were needed to the town’s road network – including improvements at Maunds Corner and a possible one-way system – before more houses are built.

A representative from Savills, agent to Metacre, also addressed the committee, saying the scheme would generate a developer contribution of more than £600,000 for local infrastructure improvements.

Ten of the properties would be ‘affordable homes’, while the proposals also include public open space and a site for community use.

Councillor Joyce Barrow said: “The proposed development will have a negative impact on the setting of the town to the west.

“The town’s infrastructure is under severe strain and has been for a number of years.”

Councillor Barrow added that the proposed access was “badly sited” and showed “no awareness of the potential conflict” between agricultural vehicles, commuters and school traffic which already place the route under pressure at busy times.

Councillor Vince Hunt said: “For me the fundamental issue that remains is the fact that part of this site which is going to be utilised is not within the development boundary, it’s as simple as that."

With councillors poised to refuse the application, officers advised that a decision be deferred to the next meeting in line with council protocol.