BRIDGNORTH councillors are urging a block on building more “expensive” £500,000 to £700,000 homes in the town and a greater emphasis on meeting the housing needs of local and young people.
The views are part of a package of recommendations being sent to Shropshire Council, which were drawn up at a meeting of the town council’s planning committee.
The committee’s decisions – ratified by the full town council on Tuesday – are in response to The Shirehall’s ‘Site Allocations and Management of Development Document’ – a blueprint for building up to 2026 and which is out for consultation amongst local councils and organisations until next Friday.
The document gives four options for housing growth with a maximum of 1,000 new homes. The town council also wants to see ‘affordable’ housing schemes and housing association homes play a major part in development.
Councillors also say that employment opportunities should match the number of dwellings being built to reverse the trend of Bridgnorth being considered a commuter town. They want to see land set aside in Bridgnorth as part of a plan for employment and want Shropshire Council to approach businesses to encourage them to come to the area.
The planning committee say they were disappointed with a consultation exhibition at Bridgnorth’s Castle Hall last month, which they claim was “unprofessional”.
And they want more consultation carried out in various parts of the town as well as presentations made to the town council on any future proposals.
Bridgnorth architect Vic Johnson this week urged people in the town and neighbouring villages to voice their opinions as soon as possible. “Residents are entitled to have their say on any development plans that will affect the area in which they live and unless they do make comments Shropshire Council will not know how people really feel about new housing,” he said.
“There is no doubt that there is a real need for affordable housing, but it is so important that any development is sited on land deemed appropriate by the people who already live in the vicinity.
“Change is inevitable and essential to the sustainability of our local economies and everyone should make the time to read the development plan and make
comments if they feel they should,” he added.
Details of the plan can be accessed on Shropshire Council’s website, www.shropshire.gov.uk