A CONTROVERSIAL housing development close to Old Oswestry Hillfort have been rejected after the applicant failed to provide 'sufficient information' on a number of issues.

The proposal for land to the north of Whittington Road was submitted to Shropshire Council more than two years ago by developers Galliers Homes, who wanted to build 83 dwellings plus access, opens pace, and an electricity sub-station.

The application had been met with objections from a number of groups and individuals, including the Council for British Archaeology plus long-terms campaigners Hands off Old Oswestry Hillfort.

In his report, released on Monday, March 28, Shropshire Council planning officer Philip Mullineux set out his reasons for recommending the application be refused.

He said: "It is considered that insufficient information accompanies the application in relation to ecological impacts as this application requires an updated Ecological Appraisal and must include reference to specific assessments for great crested newts and badgers.

"In the absence of this additional information the application is refused since it is not possible to conclude that the proposal will not cause an offence."

He also stated that the application by Galliers also lacked important details regarding the impact of the surrounding public highway network, on drainage issues and its impact on the area.

Mr Mullineux also stated in his report that details submitted in the planning and access statement did not correspond with the amended plans, dropping the application from 91 dwellings.

The planning officer also acknowledged in his report that while Oswestry Town Council and numerous members of the public objected to the development on the grounds of its proximity to the hillfort, its own conservation team and Historic England did not object to the impact it would have.

He added: "However it is considered that this application in its present format is incomplete in information provided and detail in support of the application and in particular in relation to amended plans which do not correspond with information as originally submitted in support of the application.

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"For example house numbers and types on the amended plans do not correspond with the original application form and design and access statement which should have been amended to correspond with the amended plans.

"The drainage plan has not been updated to reflect the reduction in houses to be built on site.

"The ecology report is considered outdated and in need of an update.

"Insufficient information has been provided in relation to environmental protection issues such noise and odour in relation to surrounding land uses.

"There are also concerns as raised by National Highways in their response to the application with regards impacts on the strategic highway network and insufficient information."