Plans for 800 homes submitted in face of opposition

Around 300 people opposed to the plans attended a meeting in June

Outline plans for an 800-home development have been submitted, despite opposition from people living in the area.

Boningale Homes wants planning permission for a 47-hectare site for land to the south of Albrighton, Shropshire.

Its plans also include the possibility of a 70-bed care home facility, a new secondary school and a local centre.

Claire Lakin, a member of the Albrighton Village Action Group said: "The campaign to protect our green belt really starts now."

Boningale Homes said the land, between Newhouse Lane, Cross Road and the A464 near Lea Manor, would meet local house-building targets for the wider West Midlands area.

Shropshire Council, which has identified other areas to meet that housing need, is due to make a decision on the application later this year.

The Shropshire councillor for Albrighton, Nigel Lumby, said he would be requesting the plan be called in for decision by the authority’s South Planning Committee following the consultation period.

A meeting in June was attended by several hundred people opposing the plans and a petition against them has attracted 3,500 signatures.

Boningale Homes said it had a vision which would respect "the character of the surrounding area," and said it would be a "new neighbourhood which can support the long-term sustainability of Albrighton and continue to make it an attractive place to live in Shropshire".

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