Story by PETER KITCHEN
Controversial plans to co-locate Shrewsbury’s two colleges have been dealt a huge blow after Highways Agency chiefs ordered project managers to re-design the travel plan.
The plan – which has been criticised by anti-colocation campaigners and residents who believe the scheme is unworkable – is branded as lacking in detailed evidence in a report by Jennifer Ariss, planning manager for the Highways Agency.
In her report she says the planning application should not be granted permission until further details are provided.
In a separate move, it has been revealed that around 65 members of staff at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College have defied college bosses and signed a letter of objection refuting the educational basis for co-locating the two colleges.
The planning application for the £60 million project is set to be discussed at a special planning meeting at the Music Hall on May 20, with around 300 members of the public expected to attend.
In her report, Ms Ariss states: “Much work will be needed by the applicant’s consultants in order to produce a satisfactory assessment of the traffic impact of the proposed development. Until the necessary work is done, the application should not be approved.”
Helen Johnson, a member of the Save our Sixth Form group, said: “This vindicates everything we and other people have been saying about the travel plan, and we are delighted an independent body is backing up our claims.”
MP Daniel Kawczynski said: “I’m extremely pleased and relieved that the Highways Agency has supported our claims and pulled the rug on this totally unviable plan.”
Peter Staples, press spokesman for the co-location project, said: “Discussions are going on between the colleges and the Highways Agency about the possible effects of co-location on traffic at Emstrey Island. The agency has asked for further details about the analysis that the colleges have done on traffic and we are confident that its formal objection will be withdrawn when it studies this information.
“We have worked closely with the highways department and have included several of its recommendations. We have the department’s clear support for the traffic plans that form part of our planning application.”
Laurina Rushworth, press spokesperson for Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, said: “We know a letter has been submitted to the borough council’s planning department but we do not know any more details.”