Objections to Oswestry Mount Road 335 homes planning bid

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

But the proposal has not gone down well with locals.

At the time of writing, 170 people had objected on Shropshire Council’s planning portal (reference 26/02084/OUT) ahead of the consultation period expiring tomorrow (Tuesday, July 28). No supportive comments have been lodged.

“This land is definitely greenbelt,” said Patricia Thomas.

“Development will harm the landscape character and appearance of the area. Going to put a road through Muddy Lane, which is an historic footpath, a footpath and countryside walk enjoyed by many in the town/area.”

Alan Neale added: “I feel that the scale of this proposal is unnecessary, as there is sufficient housing stock already available for our market town of this size.”

Councillor Wendy Owen has also objected, adding that she will request that the application is considered by the Northern Planning Committee.

“The additional traffic generated by the development would cause considerable congestion on several routes through Oswestry town centre,” said Councillor Owen.

“The developers are proposing to have only one vehicular access onto Mount Road – the traffic survey hasn’t gone far enough to identify the effect of 400 plus extra cars on this road and junctions leading from it.”

Councillor Owen added there are serious concerns about surface water management and the potential impact in downstream areas.

“There are already issues of flooding in the area – especially from the stream running down ‘Muddy Lane’ which becomes a heavy flowing body of water in winter months,” she said.

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

Documents state 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.

An illustrative masterplan plans to build up to 335 homes in Oswestry. Picture: Wain Estates/FPCR Environment & Design

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.

The design and access statement said vehicles “will wind through a parkland character” off the B4540 before reaching the proposed development.

The parkland character, it said, would help retain the setting of a Grade II-listed property called The Hayes that is adjacent to the scheme, and takes inspiration from the driveway of The Mount opposite the access point.

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.