Plans to build an estate of affordable homes on a greenfield site in Minsterley have won the go-ahead – despite opposition from villagers who claim their views have been ignored.
The controversial scheme for a site off Callow Lane was yesterday (Wednesday) approved by Shropshire Council’s central planning committee.
Severnside Housing was given permission to build eight pairs of semi-detached houses and a block of three terraced homes.
It claimed young rural people needed help to get a toe on the housing ladder and said there would be strict conditions to ensure tenants had strong local connections.
The aim is to have 100 per cent social rented units, rather than shared ownership mortgages, to minimise risk in the recession.
But the scheme has caused controversy in the village, with fears it could be the start of major developments of affordable housing, creating extra traffic and crime.
Minsterley Parish Council disputed whether there was a need for so many new homes and is worried that existing storm drains and sewers will be unable to cope.
Its chairman David Leeson accused Shropshire Council of harming local democracy by failing to take into account the views of the community.
Shropshire Council has insisted it does value input from parish councils but has to make decisions on strict legal and planning grounds.
Planning officer Emma Mottram said in a report to councillors that the ‘chronic shortage’ of affordable homes justified building outside normal village boundaries.
“The proposal is in scale with the character of the settlement, as well as meeting a proven housing need in the parish,” she said.
By Peter Johnson