A town council says a small housing development planned for a prominent Ellesmere site would threaten the “unique character and charm” of the area.

The scheme earmarked for the corner of Willow Street and Brownlow Road, would see a single three-bedroomed property built on the site, if approved by Shropshire Council’s planning committee this week.

Two previous outline applications for the land directly opposite Ellesmere Town Hall were rejected, after being criticised by council planners for being “excessively prominent” and an over development of the site.

However, planning officers say the developer’s plan to lower the overall level of the site will sufficiently soften the visual effect on Willow Street, which sits narrowly outside the edge of Ellesmere’s conservation area.

The scheme has now been recommended for approval, despite a long objection from Ellesmere Town Council, who said the scheme would have “adverse effects on the mental well-being” of residents neighbouring the proposed development due to the loss of natural light.

“The proposed development not only threatens the quality of life for current residents but also jeopardises the unique character and charm of the surrounding area, which borders a conservation zone,” they said.

“Willow Street and its neighbouring environs boast a distinct architectural heritage and natural beauty that contribute to the cultural identity of our community. The introduction of a structure of such scale and design incongruity would disrupt the harmonious aesthetic that defines this locality, potentially setting a precedent for further unsuitable development.

“Preserving the integrity of our heritage and safeguarding the visual coherence of our environment should be paramount, particularly in areas adjacent to designated conservation zones.”

However Shropshire Council’s conservation team believed the effect on the nearby conservation area to be “negligible”.

A report issued by Shropshire Council’s planning team also said the reduction in the ground level of the site and the scale of the proposed dwelling meant that the effect on neighbouring properties would be acceptable.

“Taking into consideration the design of the proposed dwelling, the reduction in the site’s levels and consideration of the orientation and position of the plot, Officers are of the view that there would not be a detrimental loss of light to the neighbour whereby it would harmfully impact upon their living conditions,” they said.

“It is considered by Officers that the proposed dwelling is in a sustainable edge of town centre location and is of an appropriate scale, design and siting which is considered to be in keeping with the character and appearance of the locality.”

The application will be decided at a meeting of Shropshire Council’s northern planning committee on Tuesday, May 14.