Large-scale housing plan lodged for land near RAF Shawbury

Bloor Homes’ outline proposal is for around 115 homes off Wem Road, near to RAF Shawbury. The scheme includes 15 per cent affordable housing, while there will be new green spaces and publicly accessible open spaces, including a children’s play area and pump track.

It comes in the same week that Wain Estates submitted an outline planning application for up to 335 homes in Oswestry, while Harrow Estates will be holding a consultation next week on its proposal to build around 500 homes and a large employment site in Shifnal.

Bloor Homes say its proposal will have a well-connected network of movement routes, which will include attractive tree-lined streets. There will also be drainage and active travel strategies, and a community orchard.

“The outline planning application has been informed by a robust programme of consultation with the community of Shawbury, as well as elected representatives,” said Emer Green, of Bloor Homes’ agent, Pegasus Group.

“Prior to the launch of community consultation, the project team established contact with Shawbury Parish Council, with a representative from Bloor Homes subsequently attending a meeting of the parish council to introduce the proposals and provide an overview of the consultation programme.

“Feedback from the parish council indicated an aspiration for the provision of a new pump track for the village, and this was integrated into the emerging masterplan.

“The team also contacted the Shropshire Council representative for Shawbury division, in which the site is located, prior to the launch of wider community consultation, providing an overview of the emerging proposals.”

Mr Green added that direct contact was also made with RAF Shawbury, while around 50 people attended a drop-in exhibition was held at Shawbury Village Hall. Vehicle access will be via a three-arm priority T-junction, with the B5063 Wem Road. There will also be a shared footway and dropped kerb to provide connection to tie in with the existing provision.

In terms of parking, Mr Green said there will be two spaces for each three-bed home, and three for four-bed properties. Meanwhile, it is proposed that all plots will have electric vehicle charging points to comply with current building regulations.

Anyone who wishes to view the plans or make a representation can do so by searching for reference 26/02532/OUT via Shropshire Council’s planning portal. The consultation expires on July 30.