Plans approved for 100 homes near market town

The plans were originally rejected in 2020

A scheme to build 100 homes near Wem in Shropshire has been given the go-ahead amid town and parish council objections.

The plans were jointly submitted by Persimmon Homes West Midlands, Northern Trust Limited and the Harrison family, for the land west of Lowe Hill Road.

Original plans were refused by Shropshire Council in June 2020 over landscape and visual harm issues, and concerns of a risk to local biodiversity.

Following an appeal, a planning inspector said evidence had been provided to address the matters. Outline planning permission then followed, with the project securing further approval this week, although Wem Town Council said it still had "serious concerns" despite the backing.

These include the single access in and out of the site, as it is close to the entrance to Thomas Adams School and the junction with Pyms Road.

The authority also took issue with the design of a proposed play area at the development, describing wooden play equipment as "uninspiring".

The parish council said it shared concerns about the proposed single access.

In March, Persimmon Homes West Midlands said provision had been made for a raised table on Lowe Hill Road to reduce vehicle speeds.

School signs along the road would also be repainted, the company said.

"The reserved matters relating to access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping have been satisfactorily addressed, with consultee concerns resolved through iterative design improvements," a Shropshire Council planning report said ahead of approval.

"Some concerns remain regarding the clustering and visual distinction of affordable housing units, but the revised layout represents an acceptable compromise."