CONCERNS have been raised whether Whitchurch has the infrastructure and services to cope with new housing developments in the town.

Residents and councillors raised concerns in a recent town council meeting on Thursday, October 20 with complaints the town's infrastructure is struggling to cope and will be put under further pressure with more houses.

Plans to build 561 homes near Tilstock Road along with a new primary school, sports facilities and plenty of parking were recently submitted to Shropshire Council.

One unnamed resident spoke about an increase in vehicles and asked Whitchurch Town Council to think carefully before making a decision on whether it decides to support the application.

READ MORE: Plans for 561 homes and primary school submitted

He said: "It is a considerable increase. There is a lack of facilities the town can offer.

"We only have one surgery and also one NHS dentistry. There are so many things, policing is very minimal. I am really worried.

"With nearly 600 houses, we have to think of the possibility of 1,000 people and 1,000 cars.

"One health centre will only function well with appropriate levels of staff. I am sincerely asking you to give this a very careful call."

Concerns were raised over whether Sir John Talbot's School in Tilstock Road would have the capacity to take many more pupils.

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Whitchurch mayor Councillor Andy Hall urged people to contact Shropshire Council's planning portal and added the town council will be speaking with the unitary authority about concerns raised.

"Whitchurch Town Council will make a comment," he said.

"If anyone, wants to make a comment, I would urge you to go onto the Shropshire Council planning portal and put forward your views.

"I will have to go and sit down with them."

Cllr Jayne De-Wyrall shared her concerns about the 'lack of facilities' in the town to cope with an increasing population.

She added: "We have a lack of medical facilities, schools, parking and ambulances."

Cllr Hall added: "There will be a great demand on infrastructure.

"They could argue we are having a new leisure centre. It is worth commenting on items mentioned like schools.

"All have got to be educated and we all need dentist surgeries."

Lack of local employment was mentioned, and Cllr Pete Lea spoke about the need to attract more businesses to the town.

He said: "Have we got any extension on industrial land in the town.

"Where are we going to work? We need more identifiable areas and we need to attract bigger businesses."

You can view planning applications via https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/