Decision over 70 new homes could go to inspector

Seventy homes in Tilstock were not given planning permission in the normal time limit

A planning inspector could end up deciding the fate of 70 homes.

The proposed development at Tilstock, near Whitchurch in Shropshire, has not been given planning permission within the normal time limit, and no extension has been agreed.

Developers Boningale Development Limited, of Albrighton have the option to take the matter to the planning inspectorate, who would decide if plans are to be approved or refused.

A spokesperson for Shropshire Council said it was "not a case of the council seeking to run the clock down" and that there had not been a decision to extend the deadline after the developer did not ask for one.

Boningale said it would "decline to make a comment at this stage" when asked by the Local Democracy Service what it intended to do.

The application received more than 140 objections when it was lodged last year and a community group named Stop Tilstock Development was created to oppose the development.

"This amount of housing will ruin our small rural village. Tilstock is already at risk of over-over development," the group's Jessica Collins said.

Kevin Williams said Tilstock had already seen new homes built over the last few years.

He said it would grow by 70% if a further 70 homes were added to the village.