A CLIMATE change pressure group has voiced opposition to plans to redevelop a Wem building into new homes. 

Wem Area Climate Action says the plans by developer Connexus to turn the office space in Edinburgh House into 28 new homes are "out of date".

The group said it has environmental concerns over plans to partially demolish the building.

Chairman, Malcolm Adkins, added: "We consider this to be a pedestrian solution to a site which is part of the urban centre of Wem.

"The demolition of a substantial part of the original building which is imposing, recently constructed and in good condition, means the loss of a considerable amount of embedded carbon.

"There is no evidence that the new proposed units will come up to what should be expected of housing in an era when we have such a short time to adapt to the need to keep warming below one and a half per cent.

"In this sense, they are out of date before they are built.

"This redevelopment could provide an eco-opportunity for a sensitive scheme which promotes and demonstrates better building for the climate emergency which Shropshire is already signed up to."

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WACA criticised the change of use for the building and believes it is important for people in the town to understand their point.

Mr Adkins said: "The proposed scheme presents a change of use. The existing building was designed for office and civic use.

"There is a desperate need to continue such in Wem to counter the stripping out of commercial uses which will attract people into Wem to stop it from becoming a dormitory town.

"It is difficult to see how the county planners can countenance the loss of this building in what is a protected employment area."

The group spoke about the impact the development would have on schooling and believes the town would be better served if the building was used for business start-ups.

Mr Adkins explained: "The proposed scheme identifies family units that will require school places.

"There is a shortage of places in the town requiring children to take up places in surrounding villages.

"The scheme would be better suited to providing single units and associated housing for business start-ups of which there is a shortage. This would also encourage young people to stay in the town.

"We ask that this proposal be refused planning permission."

Connexus has been approached for comment.