Plans for 60 homes in village refused

A proposal for about 60 homes in a north Shropshire village has been refused, after planners said it would be a flooding risk and would encroach into open countryside.

The outline application, for land to the north of Station Road and Mill Lane in Prees, was submitted to Shropshire Council by Jeremy Thorpe, and would have included 15% of the homes being affordable, with a play area and paths.

Amy Henson, of agents Berrys, said the scheme would be in response to local housing needs, as well as the five-year housing supply in Shropshire.

However it was recommended for refusal by a planner who said essential information had not been provided and it was rejected.

Henson had added that the scheme would include extra plants, aquatic habitats and biodiversity enhancements, and there were no highway safety concerns.

However, there were 22 public objections including from Prees Parish Council and local residents.

David and Doreen Hopwood live in Lighteach Road and said the site was on a flood plain, and their privacy would be compromised due to their bungalow being close to the proposed development.

Planning officer Jane Preece said the site lay outside the the defined settlement boundary for Prees, and proposed vehicle access would cross flood zones.

She added that information such as measured traffic speeds or flows was not provided, and no section 106 agreement was completed to secure necessary obligations from the developer.

They would have included contributions towards affordable housing, education, biodiversity net gain, sustainable drainage systems maintenance and public open space management.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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