HIGHWAYS experts have backed plans to convert Oswestry’s former magistrates’ court into homes – despite strong concerns for neighbouring residents.

The proposals will see the conversion of the court building into 10 apartments with eight townhouses and a pair of semi-detached homes built within the grounds the site on Holbache Road.

They were submitted separately in June.

But they have faced major concerns that the road network could become congested.

WSP UK Ltd, on behalf of Shropshire Council’s transport team, gave no objections to either proposal, adding: “It is considered that the proposed development, is unlikely to have any severe adverse impact on the local highway network.”

It also listed a series of conditions, including the completion of a construction method statement to ensure there is no impact during the building phase, and also details of parking and waste collection.

While most residents have backed the development, their concerns have surrounded access via Holbache Road and the semi-detached homes proposed there.

Phil Goodwin said: “I object to Holbache Road becoming a through road if the gates to the proposed development are opened up. This has a serious concern for safety with the potential for motorists to cut through from Welsh Walls to Upper Church street and vice versa.”

Susan Page commented: “My prime concern is the road safety in that whilst Holbache Road is theoretically a cul-de-sac and more often than not I have to reverse onto the busy Welsh Walls due to non resident parking making it impossible to turn around, I have previously requested a turning point to alleviate this danger.

“However, opening up Holbache road will cause more chaos as a thoroughfare as this will create a short cut for traffic wishing to avoid the Church Street junction.”

And concerns were also raised by Oswestry town councillors with regards to the new properties being built on the site.

They noted the plans did not make it clear whether the site would be accessed via Holbache Road or Oswalds Well Lane, or both and could lead to it being used as a cut-through.

They added: “This would have a significantly negative impact on residents of Holbache Road and should be avoided.”

The site is owned by Shropshire Council and the Ministry of Justice. It closed as a court in April 2011.