PLANS TO build more than 50 new homes on land outside Whitchurch have been granted permission by Shropshire Council - and it could help lead to better access to Whitchurch Railway Station.

The authority has granted permission to Shropshire Homes to build 53 new homes on land north of Waymills on Wednesday, March 1.

The application faced opposition from some residents who felt the development compromised their privacy.

One, Gillian Marsh, wrote: "Planning should not be approved.

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"It does does not protect the privacy of my neighbouring property.

"If I am in my kitchen or walking down my stairs I will be visible for properties 12 to 15 to see.

"The layout and positioning of the properties does not sit comfortably with my property.

"The open spaces have not been allocated near to my property but on the North East side of the development.

"Maintenance of the wildlife corridor has not been made clear.

"More clarification is needed."

However, the application was supported by another resident, Michael Hares.

He said: "As a resident of the area, the plans are totally in keeping.

"There is easy access as well and a good mix of open space.

"A great mix of different sized homes.

"It is a great building company too."

Whitchurch Town Council took a neutral line on the development.

Town clerk, Mike McDonald said: "Whilst Whitchurch Town Council have no objection to the ongoing development of the site, we would point out that this would be an appropriate opportunity to request Section 106 (Town and Country Planning Act 1990) contribution from the developers, enabling the provision of appropriate, inclusive, access to the south-bound platform of Whitchurch Railway Station.

"We understand that this condition was to be included at any latter-stage development on the Waymills site."

Case officer Mark Perry concluded the development did not compromise privacy and did not believe it would harm the ecology.

He said: "The layout of the development and the design of the dwellings is considered to be appropriate and the scheme includes an adequate provision of open space and affordable housing.

"It has been demonstrated that the scheme will not have a detrimental impact on ecological features of the site and that there is adequate separation to neighbouring occupiers in order to protect their amenity."