PLANS to build up to 70 homes on former dairy land in Whitchurch, which have been nearly a decade in the making, have been approved by Shropshire Council.

The proposal for the former dairy in Mile Bank Road was for reserved matters on the layout, access, scale and landscaping of the mixed residential development plus two roads, a play area and an attenuation pond was first submitted in 2018, following a similar application gaining permission in 2013.

Since an application was submitted on behalf of Homes England, a Government agency, nearby residents have objected to the plans on the grounds of flooding and lack of necessary drainage.

However, last week, planning officers at Shropshire Council approved the updated application for 70 mixed dwellings but with strict conditions, including implementing specific aspects of the plans and submitting a method statement prior to building to Shropshire Council.

Roads will also be expected to be built before any of the properties are to be occupied.

Planning officer Mark Perry said: "The principle of residential development on this previously developed site is acceptable having been granted outline planning permission.

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"It is considered that the layout of the site and the scale, design and appearance of the dwellings would have no adverse impact on the character and appearance of the locality, impact on residential amenity and is served by a suitable means of access.

"It has been adequately demonstrated that the site can be appropriately drained to a greenfield run-off rate which whilst it does not reinstate the pumped drainage system used when it was operation as a dairy it will result in a betterment to the existing drainage arrangements on the site.

"It is considered that the proposal would not be increasing the risk of flooding elsewhere over and above the current situation."

A planning and access statement included plans to improve transport links, such as a more appropriate footpath and the installation of a bus stop as well car use.

However, objectors to the plans say the area is still susceptible to flooding and had urged Shropshire Council to ensure the effects of that would not be felt closer to their properties.

One letter sent to the council via Chilmark Consulting in May this year on behalf of nearby landowners, insisted a 'realistic and robust' assessment of flood risk had not been demonstrated by the applicant.

But Mr Perry, in his officer's report, said that any excess water could be effectively run-off to another greenfield site.