Environment assessment not needed for 200 homes

Access to the site would be off the A41

Environmental assessments for plans to build 200 new homes in north Shropshire do not need to be carried out, a developer has been told.

Castle Green Homes is proposing to build the homes on a site off Chester Road, on the outskirts of Whitchurch.

A full planning application is yet to be submitted to Shropshire Council but documents reported that an environmental impact assessment on the agricultural site was not needed - meaning councillors could now "adequately consider" the plans.

The proposed development gains access off Chester Road, which is served via the roundabout junction with the A41.

Documents submitted to the council by developers said as the site was located close to an existing residential area, some "temporary impacts and disturbances" may be experienced in terms of visual impact and noise.

It added: "The size of population which will be affected by the proposed works, at any one time, is relatively small.

"These impacts can be managed and mitigated through agreed construction management practices and these would only be experienced during the temporary construction period."

The site includes existing hedgerows and trees and has habitats suitable for species such as bats, birds, badger and great crested newts, the developer said.

But it added that the development of the site would be expected to include measures to protect, conserve and enhance its biodiversity and surroundings.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.