BRIDGNORTH Civic Society has suggested that derelict land near, and on part of, the former RAF camp at Stanmore could be used for building ‘affordable’ homes.
The group has responded to Shropshire Council’s ‘Issues and Options’ consultation on development for 2006-2026 by backing an option that would mean up to 500 homes in and around the town being built by the end of the period.
‘The identified site immediately to the west of The Hobbins, given the planning history, the proximity of the A454 and the bus service to Bridgnorth and Wolverhampton, as well as the Stanmore industrial estate, could be allocated for affordable housing for locally working people,’ states society chairman Dr Chris Jephcott.
Dr Jephcott points out that new construction and planning consents mean that Bridgnorth already has sufficient allocations to exceed that figure.
He says that policies for the town should be directed at ‘underpinning’ Bridgnorth’s historic characteristics with its attractive setting and amenities that include the riverside and streets of fine buildings.
He points out that the by-pass forms a natural barrier to development which it would be dangerous to breach. ‘Any growth to the south, south-west or west of the by-pass, other than infill or exception sites should be ruled out,’ he states.
He also points out that the Local Plan notes considerable local development at Oldbury, but concludes that more there is ‘likely to harm the existing semi-rural character of the village.’ He says any new housing in Oldbury should be confined to windfall sites.
‘The fields to the north-west of the current Persimmon Wenlock Road development towards Tasley were identified in the draft Local Plan, but excluded by the inspector in the approved plan.
‘Should further land need to be allocated, then the field immediately opposite to the Wenlock Road site might suffice, but we would be very relucant to see this.
‘The area to the north, off Stanley Lane, was identified as a locally important area of open space. Again, we think it would be wrong to change this designation.
‘The site immediately below the skyline to the east, next to Hermitage Heights, should be excluded for the reason of its high visibility. This leaves the area adjoining the former college site with planning consent for Persimmon.
‘We still feel a hotel in this area could meet a local need, but none has been forthcoming. Again, there is an issue of visual dominance above the town.”
Dr Jephcott says employment opportunities should be aimed at local people, as should affordable housing.
‘We do not envisage becoming even more of a dormitory town for Wolverhampton and the West Midlands.
‘With its lack of a national rail link and restricted bus service, any such commuting depends on unsustainable private car use along dangerous local roads,’ he points out in the society’s response to the council.’
The society say there should be facilities for promoting tourism for Bridgnorth, including parking provision and management and a degree of pedestrianisation.
And on open space the society says there are few areas and those that exist should remain.
The society say the council should also give guidance on provision of land for allotments.
‘Problems have arisen in Bridgnorth over joint use education/Shropshire Council leisure and sports facilities, but no obvious alternative option is evident,’ Dr Jephcott says.