A PLANNING application to change the deeds to allow a family trust to manage bungalows close to a medical centre in Prees has been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The bungalows at Rose Court, Prees, were approved in 2016 and put on the market in 2017 by the Grocott Family Charitable trust under then Grocontinental chairman and owner, and trustee, Ray Grocott.

While the Trust owns and manages the bungalow, which were built for people aged 75 and above, the original Section 106 agreement included Shropshire Housing Partnership to be included in the provision of care to residents/tenants.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Prees businessman Ray Grocott

However, according to a letter of support from Peter Richards & Co on behalf of the Trust, it has been agreed that reference to all parties bar Grocott Family Charitable Trust could be removed from the deeds.

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The letter said: “The Grocott Family have an established registered charity in the Grocott Family Charitable Trust which is active in a number of community projects in Whitchurch, Prees and their hinterlands.

“It is acting as a non-registered provider at Rose Court, Prees, having developed and subsequently manage eight affordable bungalows adjacent to Prees Medical Centre.

“These rented dwellings are modest semi-detached bungalows occupied by members of the local community in housing need, which are proving to be valuable community assets.

“As a local family run charity with established roots in the area the applicants have discussed and agreed with the councils housing enabling team that it could function as an effective ‘non-registered provider’ at Higher Heath.

“It is acknowledged that within the original Section 106 for the subject site, there is reference in the definitions to ‘Shropshire Housing Partnership’ as 'Registered Provider or Constituted Community Land Trust or other housing provider or registered Charity working with the council to provide affordable housing'.

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“While the aforementioned definition describes the GFCT, ‘Shropshire Housing Partnership’ does not appear to have been referenced elsewhere in the agreement, hence the council’s housing officer have advised a deed of variation is required.

“Proposal It is proposed to amend the  agreement relating to the subject development to allow nonregistered providers or registered providers to be manage affordable housing on the development.”

The plans were submitted on Thursday, October 31 and a decision is expected by Christmas.