Angry residents have vowed to fight proposals to build 300 homes in Battlefield, which they claim are being rushed through.
Persimmon Homes wants to turn seven acres of open land next to Shillingston Drive into a new housing development. It is also rumoured that the site could include a care home or industrial units.
Nearly 90 people attended a public meeting at the Red Lion Hotel, on Battlefield Road, on Tuesday night and pledged to use ‘people power’ to lobby the firm with their objections.
Spokesperson for the Berwick Grange and Battlefield Road residents group, Jane Strouts, said the original consultation meeting held by Persimmon Homes last Tuesday did not give residents enough notice to attend.
She said: “Persimmon sent us a letter about their plans four days before the meeting, and it was over a bank holiday.”
Another resident claimed that the consultation was ‘verging on insulting’.
Calls have been made for Persimmon to hold another consultation event, with residents wanting to know more details about the proposed development which they claim is ‘unsafe’.
Mrs Strouts said: “We have serious concerns about the safety of the access point. It will be on a very long and winding narrow lane next to a children’s play area.”
“The Battlefield junction next to Tesco is one of the busiest in Shropshire and if another 300 cars are coming out of the new estate every morning it will be hellish.”
Residents claim a sign has since gone up on the land saying it is private and can no longer be accessed by the public.
A spokesperson from the firm said: “We are sorry to hear that residents felt that they weren’t given enough notice about the consultation however, as we are working to a deadline, the meeting had to take place at that particular time.
“We have no further plans to organise another consultation. However we would certainly reconsider if required.
“We are currently in the pre-planning stages. We do recognise the importance of providing affordable homes in Shrewsbury and any future planning application will fully support Shropshire Council’s affordable housing strategy. We also intend to make financial contributions to education and open space provision.”
Persimmon Homes will apply for outline planning permission in June. A 21-day public consultation period will follow.
by Catherine Ferris