Up to nine homes could be built in a village near Whitchurch

A permission in principle application has been submitted by Peter Slater, who wants to develop his farmstead off Heathwood Road in Higher Heath.

In a planning statement, Holly Charmley, of Peter Richards & Co, said the proposal builds on positive pre-application engagement with Shropshire Council in June 2005 when the local authority said the proposed site is considered acceptable. Outline approval for two properties was also approved on an adjacent site.

“The proposed development represents an efficient and sustainable use of land now the main farmstead is underutilised, delivering a scheme of appropriate scale that integrates positively with the existing built environment,” said Ms Charmley.

“It will contribute to the vitality of the settlement and support the delivery of much-needed housing in Shropshire.

“Accordingly, it is concluded that the proposal accords with the overarching objectives of both national and local policy, and that the presumption in favour of sustainable development decisively tilts the balance in favour of granting planning permission.

“By providing a modest number of dwellings adjoining the established settlement boundary, on an area of partially developed land, the proposal would achieve an appropriate balance between meeting local housing needs and safeguarding the countryside, in accordance with the adopted Development Plan.”

Meanwhile, a permission-in-principle application has been granted for up to three homes in a nearby location.

Nicola Hand’s proposal is on land north of Twemlows Avenue.

Shropshire Council’s highways team said that the submitted plan indicates the principle of forming two accesses – one to the proposed residential development and the second to the retained land to the rear of the site.

“A safe and suitable vehicular access to serve the proposed development will need to be demonstrated,” said a spokesperson.

“Highway matters including but not limited to the submission of a topographical survey, access layout, visibility splays and internal parking/turning provision will need to be provided for.

“In this respect, concerns are raised over the suitability of the provision of two access points.

"It is anticipated that a single shared private access point located in the centre of the site road frontage will potentially provide an acceptable layout and visibility in line with the speed limit, this will however need to be designed in accordance with the relevant highway design guidance.”

Prees Parish Council also objected, saying the site is not large enough to accommodate three dwellings.

Nearby resident, Priscilla Price also raised concerns regarding the proposed boundary treatments. This included hedgerow and fencing, the potential for windows in the side elevations to result in overlooking of neighbouring dwellings, and the potential impact of external lighting.

However, planning officer Rowena Dale said no principal areas of harm have been identified that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposed development, and that the presumption in favour of sustainable development applies.

Therefore, the proposal is supported subject to the satisfactory resolution of detailed matters.