Plans to build nine houses near Ellesmere have been refused.

SF Jones sought outline permission for the scheme on land to the rear of Winston Fields in Tetchill.

A planning statement submitted by Richard Corbett, of Roger Parry & Partners, said the proposal would be a mix of open market family homes of varying size, scale and type, and would help towards meeting the future housing need of the county.

“The site comprises agricultural land,” said Mr Corbett.

“It is considered that the loss of this piece of agricultural land is not significant, and the proposal would not result in any adverse ecological or environmental implications, however it is considered that the proposal would provide opportunities for ecological enhancements in and around the site.”

The site where SF Jones wanted to build nine houses in Tetchill, near Ellesmere. Picture: Arbor VitaeThe site where SF Jones wanted to build nine houses in Tetchill, near Ellesmere. Picture: Arbor Vitae

“The agricultural land is enclosed by a strong boundary of natural hedging and the development of this part of the land would not result in development that could be considered as an intrusive form of development into the open countryside.”

The site, said Mr Corbett, has good access directly through Winston Fields and onto Hordley Road within excellent walking distance to the centre of Tetchill.

“We believe that the proposed development would not compromise highway safety regulations.

“Foul drainage will be connected to the public sewer system and a suitable scheme of foul drainage can be secured by condition if deemed necessary by the planning authority and consultees. With regards surface water drainage, the proposal has been considered by us and the applicants and it has been noted that the use of soakaways will be investigated in the first instance for surface water disposal.”

However, the scheme received several objections, with some residents saying it was outside the settlement boundary.

“The roads are dangerous for pedestrians and runners as there are no pavements and extra traffic will make it worse,” said Ian Greaves.

Tony Smith added: “Tetchill has no existing amenities or services , including public transport, and those nearest in Ellesmere are already working at full capacity, if not beyond.”

As well as lying outside the settlement boundary, Tabitha Lythe, planning and development services manager at Shropshire Council, said the proposal was considered to be an unsustainable location for development, representing unacceptable encroachment into open countryside on a site not allocated for housing. It was therefore refused.