Four villages near Shrewsbury could more than double in size after being earmarked for significant expansion which would see approximately 1,300 new homes built.
Cressage has been designated as ‘a community hub’ under Shropshire Council’s Local Development Framework, meaning it would see more facilities, services and improved infrastructure.
In a separate scheme, Condover is also earmarked for significant expansion, with up to 200 homes built to the north, on land opposite the local golf course.
And a substantial strip of land has been identified in Cross Houses, with around 300 houses built to run south along the A458 near to High Cross Avenue.
And more than 400 homes could be built in 10 sites across Dorrington – more than doubling its population.Villagers are describing the proposals as ‘way too much’.
The news comes as the council draws up its new Local Development Framework which was under consultation until June 25.
Its aim is to provide 28,500 new homes across the region to meet government housing targets.ConcernedThe plans, if approved, could signal a new era of development for the villages but fears have already been raised by residents that it could lead to too much development.
Claire Wild, Shropshire Council ward member for Severn Valley, said: “I feel it would be way too much development for Cressage as do a number of local residents.
“A number of larger villages have been put forward for development and villagers are concerned about it. The general consensus is that it is way too much.”
Councillor David Lane, of Condover Parish Council, said: “We consulted very widely to the Local Development Plan and the plans we submitted were nowhere near 200 properties – it was for about 50 to 60 over a 16-year period.
“It seems like these plans are not in line with the LDP that we submitted to the council.”
A site allocations document produced by the council identifies sites for various types of development and sets out further detailed policies to guide future development in Shropshire up to 2026.
By David Seadon
