Plans for new homes in Wem pulled for a second time

Design and Planning Associates Ltd together with the applicant, Morris & Company resubmitted a planning application for five affordable dwellings for social rent in August this year.

This comes after the withdrawal of a previous application for a development of six open market homes.

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In the Design and Access Statement it was indicated that: “Although the Planning Officer was generally supportive of the proposed development, he raised a number of concerns – including the need for a Noise Report and for evidence of marketing of the site for commercial use.

“He also suggested a well-designed scheme for affordable housing would be particularly likely to receive approval, as an alternative to commercial use.

“The application was therefore withdrawn in January 2023, in order to carry out this further work.”

The new plans included five affordable two-bedroom bungalow with associated external works near Wem Health Clinic, Co-op and Morris Central Shopping Park in High Street.

The site is currently vacant employment land and it’s next to the central car park in town.

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Planning permission was granted for the building of an office in 2004, and the applicants stated that because of all the pre-building conditions were cleared and works started on site to implement the planning consent that the site is therefore clearly brownfield and subject to an approved development.

Although over 10 comments were made from the public and consultees, highlighting issues such as noise levels, traffic management, pathways and the need for affordable housing, no reason was provided for the withdrawal.

The planning committee have been made aware of the decision and no determination will now be made in regard to the application.