Final designs for new village housing estate set for approval

The final plans for a new housing estate in a Shropshire village are set to be approved.

Shropshire Council’s southern planning committee will next week be asked to give the green light for the development in Minsterley, which was granted outline permission last year.

The 28 homes are to be built on land off Leigh Road, but fears have been raised that the lack of a footpath between the site and the centre of the village could put future residents of the properties in danger.

The developer, Long Mynd Homes Limited, had previously had plans approved for 15 homes on the site but re-drew the proposals “to make better use of the land”.

The reserved matters application to be decided by the committee next week covers the layout of the development, design of the houses and proposed landscaping.

A report by planning officer Nanette Brown says the parish council, local Shropshire Councillor Nick Hignett have objected to the application along with eight members of the public.

Councillor Hignett said it was disappointing that no bungalows were included in the plans as there was a “recognised demand” in the area.

He raised further concerns over road safety, particularly around the proposed pedestrian access onto Horsebridge Road. Councillor Hignett said: “The dwellings will result in a considerable number of people, including children, trying to walk to the centre of Minsterley village.

“Better footpath provision should be included as part of this application. This should incorporate a safe crossing point on the Leigh Road.”

The parish council said: “There are issues with safe pedestrian access to the development. A new light and safety barriers need to be incorporated on the access to Horsebridge Rd where there is no footpath.”

Ms Brown’s report says people will be able to walk an alternative route. The report says: “A footpath link is shown at the northern end of the site leading off the end of the internal roadway. This would link to a pathway included in a previously granted planning permission for two dwellings that would then connect to Horsebridge Road.

“This footpath link would allow those walking southwards into the village along Horsebridge Road the choice to walk through this site in order to gain access towards the centre of the village without walking further along the southern part of Horsebridge Road that has no pedestrian footpath.”

Planning officers have recommended to the committee that the reserved matters application be approved.

The report concludes: “The principle for residential development has been agreed with the grant of outline planning permission.

“The Appearance, Landscaping and Layout of the proposed development are considered to conserve and enhance the natural and built environment of this location and are appropriate in density, pattern and design taking into account the sites location within Minsterley.

“Accordingly, it is considered that this proposal is in compliance with the development plan, and can be made acceptable by the attachment of conditions.”

The committee will have the final say when it meets on Tuesday.