Plans to build 800 homes on Albrighton green belt land

Dean Trowbridge said there had been a "mixed reaction" from residents about plans for a new housing estate

Plans to build up to 800 homes on green belt land in a Shropshire village have been announced.

Developer Boningale Homes wants to build an estate on an area between Newhouse Lane, Holyhead Road and Cross Road in Albrighton, near Shifnal.

The plans also include a new secondary school and a 70-bed care home.

Shropshire Council said the site was not currently subject to a planning application but it was aware of the proposals.

"The council will consider any future application on this site against the development plan and any other material considerations," a spokesperson added.

Boningale Homes said the intention was to have more talks with the public to address any concerns before a planning application was submitted.

Dean Trowbridge, their development manager, admitted there was a "mixed reaction" from the community at a recent public meeting.

He added there was a "housing need" in the county with developers also in talks to provide a new doctor's surgery.

"Part of our proposal includes a wide range of infrastructure improvements which will upgrade the roads to meet the increased capacity," he said.

'Extremely concerned'

Some residents told BBC Radio Shropshire they supported plans for the village to expand but others have concerns about infrastructure in the area.

"I don't think it needs any more homes," one woman said. "We've got trouble with drainage, doctors, everything like that, we just don't need it."

One man added he was "extremely concerned" the village would become a town.

"The beauty of a Albrighton is the community and the community spirit," he said.

"If you're building large houses and large developments, you're going to lose that. I am just concerned it's going to make the village too big."