Outline application (access for consideration comprising formation of two vehicular accesses off A4169 road) for the development of (up to) 1,000 dwellings; retirement village; employment land comprising classes B1(A), B1(C), B2 and B8; retail and other uses comprising classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, D1 and D2;  allotments, sports pitches, a railway link, leisure uses, primary/nursery school, a park and ride facility, walking and cycling routes, and associated landscaping, drainage and infrastructure works

The Chairman advised the meeting that as this was a large application he had used his discretion to allow additional public speakers and additional time for the applicant to respond.

The Head of Planning Services introduced the outline application for the for the development of (up to) 1,000 dwellings; retirement village; employment land comprising classes B1(A), B1(C), B2 and B8; retail and other uses comprising classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, D1 and D2;  allotments, sports pitches, a railway link, leisure uses, primary/nursery school, a park and ride facility, walking and cycling routes, and associated landscaping, drainage and infrastructure works and set out the history and context of the application.

With reference to the drawings displayed, the Principal Planner drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations and the Developing Highways Manager outlined changes to the highway system and other mitigation works.

Mr David Turner made a statement against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Mr Simon Heath made a statement against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Mr Stephen Mulloy made a statement against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Cllr Sue Jones made a statement on behalf of Leighton and Eaton Constantine Parish Council against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Cllr Lorraine Pratt made a statement on behalf of Buildwas Parish Council against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Cllr Duncan White made a statement on behalf of Much Wenlock Town Council against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Claire Wild, local Ward Councillor made a statement against the application in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Dan Thomas, adjacent Ward Councillor, made a statement against the application in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees

Stuart Ashton spoke in support of the proposal on behalf of the applicant in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

During the ensuing debate Councillors made the following points:

Members expressed concern regarding the low percentage of affordable housing within the scheme which was 15% below that required to make it policy compliant, and felt that they required more information to enable them to understand the viability assessment that had led to the reduced amount of affordable housing being offered.

Members expressed concerns regarding the effect of the proposals on the local highways network and the proposed timing of remediation works especially at the Gaskell Arms junction in Much Wenlock.

Members felt that they needed further time to consider the information submitted by the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as part of the schedule of late representations regarding existing GP premises capacity.

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, it was RESOLVED:

That the application be deferred to a future meeting to allow further clarification of:

·         Viability including clawback review timing

·         The level and timing of affordable housing

·         Transport issues, especially in and around Much Wenlock, including the Gaskell Arms junction

·         The capacity of primary care facilities