800-home Shropshire development shot down by local councillors
A local campaign hoping to protect 50 hectares of greenbelt land in Shropshire received a boost after Albrighton Parish Council unanimously objected to the proposed development.
Boningale Homes is seeking planning permission to build 800 houses, a secondary school, a 70-bed care home and a supermarket in Albrighton, a move that has sparked anger from local residents.
The developer says the scheme would deliver 1,200 jobs and bring £60m to Shropshire and the local economy.
Campaigners argue that the development would alter the village’s character, increasing its size by over 60%. All 10 local councillors present voted against the speculative scheme.
Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG), a volunteer-led organisation, recently handed in a 3700-strong petition to Shropshire Council against the development.
A spokesperson for Boningale Homes told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We remain confident this is a very positive scheme for Albrighton which delivers key facilities as well as much-needed new homes.
“The housing development would come with a host of benefits to the local community, from a minor injuries unit, pharmacy and GP surgery to a secondary school for up to 750 pupils and a supermarket.
“There would be a clear economic benefit too, with the overall impact of the development delivering 1,200 jobs and bringing a £60m boost to the Shropshire and local economy.
“We are a developer with strong local links to Albrighton and an extensive public consultation process was undertaken, during which we listened to all views.”
Co-chair of AVAG Charlie Blakemore said: “We are now approaching 500 objections from residents on the Shropshire Council Planning Portal to these proposals and this number is growing daily.
“There is an unbelievable groundswell of residents in the village that object vehemently against the Boningale Homes plan, and we are delighted that our Parish Council has represented our views by unanimously objecting.”
“This is a significant step for our community, as we stand together to ensure that any future developments align with the values and character of our beautiful village.
“Albrighton is already being significantly developed within the Local Plan with over 770 houses being added or land earmarked. We have done more than our fair share to meet housing demands, so an extra 800 houses would completely overdevelop the village, amenities, infrastructure and roads.”
Colin Noakes, Chairman of Albrighton Parish Council said “Sustainable development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
“Albrighton Parish Council believes the Boningale Homes proposal falls short of meeting this objective and is an overdevelopment of our village, prioritising short-term gain over long-term viability and resilience.
“It will have a detrimental impact on our community and, therefore, we respectfully request
that the application is refused.”
Boningale Homes has been contacted for comment, with no immediate response received.
