Plans for 470 homes on former Shropshire sugar factory site

British Sugar, which owns the site, plans to build 470 homes, as well as community facilities

Plans have been submitted for the development of a former Shropshire sugar beet factory.

The British Sugar factory site in Allscott has been empty since 2007.

However, the company now wants to build 470 homes, together with community facilities such as a primary school, a health centre, sports facilities and allotments.

The proposals are set to come before Telford and Wrekin planners in the summer.

'A massive increase'

Resident Alan Baguley said he felt the plans were too big for the area.

"We are living in a group of hamlets," he said. "These places don't constitute a large group of people.

"The 470 houses add up to a massive increase. I would prefer a much smaller development."

Other residents said they were concerned about the amount of traffic the development would bring.

However, Peter Starling, chairman of the Allscott Sports and Social Club said he welcomed the plans.

"If the planned development goes ahead, British Sugar have promised us a 99-year lease on all sports facilities," he said.

"A new football and cricket pitch are going to be built.

"The old cricket pavilion will be knocked down and replaced with a brand-new clubhouse with a large function room and two new bowling greens.

"People are crying out to join our club, but we can't take them because we haven't got the facilities," he said.

Northern Trust, a property investment company which is working with British Sugar on the plans, said the development would bring "much-needed" community services to Allscott.

The council said the consultation period would finish in April.