Safety concerns raised in Shropshire village

A councillor says he is “deeply concerned” about road safety in a Shropshire village following the submission of a new housing scheme.

Giles Gwilt is seeking outline planning permission for two open market properties and one affordable one in Baschurch, north of Shrewsbury.

The site is adjacent to another development, which has resulted in 20 properties being built off Ruyton Road.

That piece of land was sold to TC Homes by Mr Gwilt two years ago. However, a planning statement submitted to Shropshire Council states that it has left a small gap between the affordable dwellings and Boreatton Lodge.

“The dwellings will link through from the TC Homes development and will be
accompanied with detached garages and three parking spaces,” said Alex Bruce, of planning consultancy firm, Berrys.

“The application seeks for the access and the layout to be approved. The appearance, scale and landscaping will be left to be accepted at reserved matters stage.

“I note that Baschurch is currently 58 dwellings over the guideline set out in the development plan of 200 new houses. It should be considered whether increasing this further could lead to adverse impacts on the services and facilities provided within the settlement.

“However, there is no evidence to demonstrate that the services and facilities in Baschurch are not coping with the current population levels or could not accommodate an increase. This guideline number is also not a cap.

“It is also of merit to be mindful that the proposal would only result in a modest increase in dwellings compared to the guideline and the existing over provision. It should therefore be found that there would be no unacceptable impact on the settlement from the proposed three additional dwellings.”

However, Councillor Robert Jones, who represents Baschurch Parish Council and is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Ruyton and Baschurch ward of Shropshire Council, said he is concerned about the ongoing safety risks in the village.

“From the moment the previous development was proposed nearly four years ago, residents and community representatives have highlighted the dangerous conditions in this area,” said Cllr Jones.

“There was, and remains, an urgent need for a reduction in the speed limit, as well as improvements to pedestrian pavements and crossings, to ensure that residents can access local amenities safely.

“Shropshire Council planners acknowledged these issues and approved the plans on the condition that these basic safety measures would be implemented before any houses were occupied. However, not all of these conditions have been met in a timely manner.

“Now, with a new proposal for further houses in the same area, the safety risks are set to escalate, yet Shropshire Council still hasn’t fulfilled its own requirement to reduce the speed limit.

“The council has let local residents down repeatedly. In this instance, they are potentially putting lives at risk. Why are we still waiting for a simple Traffic Regulation Order that should have been enforced four years ago?”

Shropshire Council has been approached for a comment.

Meanwhile, the planning application is expected to be discussed at Baschurch Parish Council’s meeting on Monday (February 3).