RESIDENTS from Oswestry and bordering counties raised their concerns regarding plans to build more houses in the region.

A public consultation event regarding the local planning review for Shropshire took place last night at the Marches School in Oswestry.

This was an opportunity for residents to voice their issues with the proposed development sites which have been earmarked as the potential locations for more than 10,000 new houses between now and 2036.

The initial plan was to have a housing growth of 28,750 houses between 2016 and 2036, with 18,500 houses either already built, have a site allocated or have panning consent.

Many residents were concerned that the consultation and planning has not been publicised well enough.

One resident said: “I only became aware of this consultation and this process last week.

“The proposed site is very close to my home – if I wished to build an extension on my property, I’d have to write to write to my neighbours and then to the council before I can consider planning.

“You’re already halfway through this process and I’m only now becoming aware of it, I’m sure I’m not the only one.

“It feels as though we’re already on the back foot because sites are earmarked and identified, and only now are we allowed to have our say on it.”

Other residents voiced worries about infrastructure, and said they feel as though such a steep increase in housing may result in some community services becoming overworked.

A resident from the Park Hall area said: “What will happen to our doctors, dentists and schools?

“There’s always an outcry with plans like these that the infrastructure will not be able to cope, including things like water supply and sewage – how much influence does the council have when it comes to improving these or putting things in place to deal with the increased number of people living in the area?

“Road and health infrastructure are in a particularly difficult time especially because of funds, so what can be done?”

A Pant resident was worried about access to the proposed site near the A483.

She added: “A resident near us lives in a log cabin style house and was denied access to the A483 road.

“It’s regarded in the area as one of the most dangerous roads – so if one resident has been denied access, how do you expect to provide access for multiple houses? More cars will be entering that dangerous stretch of road.”

Those in attendance were told they will have more opportunities in the near future to consult with Shropshire Council regarding the preferred sites.

To take a look at where the proposed sites are, visit