Former Shropshire factory site approved for housing development

The former sugar beet factory closed in 2007 and the site was cleared in 2009

Plans to build 470 homes on the site of a former sugar beet factory have been given outline planning approval.

The British Sugar factory site in Allscott, Shropshire, has been dormant since 2007.

Developers Northern Trust applied to build the houses, along with a primary school, a health centre, sports facilities and shops.

Local people who raised concerns about an increase in traffic called the process a "whitewash".

Northern Trust has worked with British Sugar on the plans and said the development would bring "much-needed" community services to the area.

Cricket pitches

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

"The clubhouse is badly in need of a makeover. This development will give us the opportunity, at no cost to the taxpayer and will enable the club to continue to thrive," he said.

As well as the clubhouse, new football and cricket pitches and two bowling greens would be created.

The decision by Telford and Wrekin Council to grant outline planning permission has angered some people living in the surrounding villages including Ann Muir from Rushmoor.

She complained their views about traffic had been ignored and said: "It's a load of whitewash, really a load of whitewash."

Mrs Muir also said the planned school was too close to a railway line.

The plans will now go to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, who may decide to take a closer look at the proposed scheme.