A WEM group has raised concerns over planning matters and the state of buildings in the town at a recent meeting.

Wem Civic Society held its annual general meeting (AGM) last week and members used the event to look at planning matters and derelict buildings in the town.

Wem Civic Society secretary, Shelagh Richardson, said: "Planning concerns about proposals in Wem Urban were raised during the AGM.

"On Edinburgh House, the suggested build along New Street is totally inappropriate when the history of the street and surroundings are considered.

"A three-storey terraced build, set back from the road, would be far more in keeping, have a higher housing density and be more energy efficient.

"It is a pity that no planning overview of this area, including Minton House, was taken.

"Demolition of buildings and the release of their in-built carbon should be a last resort.

"The demolition will also mean that Wem will lose another public space.

"Unless action is taken soon, Wem will turn into a dormitory town.

"Dormitory towns are much beloved of planners, seemingly offering a better use of resources.

"However that presupposes, among other things, adequate public transport, which Wem most certainly does not possess."

The society was critical over the deterioration of buildings in the town.

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Mrs Richardson said: "The Morgan Library, an attractive Grade II listed building, does offer the potential of public facilities but it has been allowed to deteriorate while in the possession of Shropshire Council.

"The White Horse should perhaps be renamed the White Hall in memory of the farces of that name, which were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

"In pre-Covid-19 times, it was suggested by this society that Shropshire Council purchase the building, repair it, rent the upper areas as apartments to gain an income stream and use the lower floor as a community space, possibly the site for a library.

"This is an important historic building being left to rot and is an eyesore in the middle of the town."

Soulton Hall owner, Tim Ashton was in attendance and spoke about housing.

Mrs Richardson said: "Tim Ashton used a housing model to discuss a type of building, which was low-energy, high-quality, and low-cost to provide housing for local families.

"The benefit of this particular type of housing is both its economy in terms of construction and its thermal efficiency in comparison to detached and isolated houses.

"The lack of beauty in most housing designs was highlighted.

"Lively discussions followed the presentation.

"The relevance of the design to the desperate need for housing was discussed."