Wain Estates plan for up to 335 homes in Oswestry draws fury

Wain Estates has submitted an outline planning application for up to 335 homes – including some classed as affordable – on land south of Mount Road.

The scheme also includes public open space, landscaping, a sustainable urban drainage system (SuDs) and access.

Documents stated that the developer would seek to utilise and improve a section of the existing bridleway that crosses the site from High Fawr Avenue.

This, the developer said, would include an enhanced surface and low level lighting, providing pedestrian and cycle access onto High Fawr Avenue.

The primary vehicular access is set to be from a new priority junction on Mount Road along the northern boundary. An additional emergency access is also proposed from Mount Road, including bollards.

A tree survey has identified a number of veteran trees that would be retained with appropriate buffers put in place.

The scheme also proposes an integrated network of public open spaces with play areas, landscaping, and ecological habitats.

Surface water would be managed through a SuDS strategy. This, documents said, would include the provision of basins above and below the line of development to manage rainwater flows across the site. This would be aided through the incorporation of a swale running west to east through the green corridor and permeable paving used within the development.

However, in the space of six days, 67 objections had been lodged via Shropshire Council’s planning portal (reference 26/02084/OUT).

Oswestry Town Council’s planning committee will consider the application this Wednesday (July 15).

One person who is not happy is Skye Roberts, an 18-year-old who is willing to put their name forward for the vacant Gatacre seat on Oswestry Town Council.

“Local residents have told me of the important bird and ecological life – from buzzards to yellowhammers and woodpeckers – would be lost if it is developed,” said Skye.

“It seems even the beautiful bridleway known as Muddy Lane will be tarmacked and lit, destroying it as a wildlife corridor and increasing the risk of flooding. It seems unlikely that buses will be able to service these homes so we will have even more traffic.

“As a young person who has grown up here, I care passionately for our town so I’ve decided to do something about the situation and stand for to be a councillor for Gatacre, the ward I live in.”

Skye has been supported by Green Party councillors Duncan Kerr and Mark Roberts, and volunteers who have been distributing leaflets so that residents know how to respond.

“We have only had a few days to write, print and distribute a leaflet explaining how residents can object, and telling them about the town council meeting on July 15,” said Councillor Kerr.

“We have had a fantastic response already, but we need as many people as possible to respond. If anyone wants a leaflet, please email me at duncankerr@oswestry-tc.gov.uk"