Councillors and residents have hit out at plans to transform a former scooter centre into a wine warehouse – claiming it will cause huge traffic problems and encourage anti-social behaviour.
Bosses at Majestic Wine want to turn the Intaspeed Scooter Centre on Copthorne Road in Frankwell into a warehouse from where they can distribute their products. But former borough mayor Judith Williams has claimed the new warehouse would affect an area already blighted by drink-induced anti-social behaviour and has called for the scheme to be thrown out.
A further three residents have also objected to the plans, claiming such a development would be inappropriate in a residential area. They also say deliveries would back up traffic on one of the main routes into the town centre.
But the application has been recommended for approval ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council’s development control and environmental protection committee. Council officials have suggested imposing conditions including restricting the time of deliveries to between 9am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. It is expected the premises would receive between two and three deliveries from heavy goods lorries every day, with an average of between 13 and 16 transactions today between customers.
Councillor Williams said: “The last thing we need here in Frankwell is a cheap wine store which sells alcohol on a route which is already plagued by drink-induced anti-social behaviour.
“This is in a very heavily populated residential area. More people are likely to drive up to buy wine than buy cars or scooters, the parking is already difficult there, and deliveries will be a nightmare.”
A report to councillors states: “There would be a significant difference between the proposed use and that of an off licence in terms of pedestrian footfall.
“The concerns raised in respect to the proposed business attracting anti-social behaviour can be understood, but in this particular instance – due to the nature of the business – cannot be justified as a reason to refuse planning permission.”
Tuesday’s meeting starts at the Guildhall at 5.30pm.
