Shropshire Council faces challenges after inspectors raised concerns regarding its Local Plan, demanding revisions within six months or withdrawal.
The plan included about 31,000 new homes. The council would add land for 1,500 homes and 31 hectares for work, helping the Black Country.
Inspectors checked the plan but had “serious concerns” about its locations. They worried about meeting the Black Country’s building needs.
The Ironbridge and Bridgnorth sites seemed good to them. However, Shrewsbury’s west side site seemed farther away. Shifnal and Albrighton are closer to the Black Country and sit near the M54 motorway.
The council planned to use land in Shifnal for the Black Country, even though that land was first meant for Shropshire. They said they had reasons to build there before.
Now, only nine hectares are for Shropshire, and no new land replaces the 30 given to the Black Country. Consequently, the inspectors question the land change decision.
Inspectors said the plan needed three more years. Crucially, the council needs to find enough land for those extra years. They asked for a plan to fix the issues in six months; Otherwise, they might withdraw the draft Local Plan.
Shropshire Council will now perform certain extra labor, identifying new business locations for Shrewsbury. House numbers will rise to 32,300, with Shropshire getting 30,800 and the Black Country, 1,500.
Employment land should reach 330 hectares total; Shropshire will have 300 hectares, and thirty will go to the Black Country. A new area must meet Black Country needs.
The council disagrees on a few points. For example, they won’t extend the plan by three years. Also, they question the site assessment and green belt evidence.
They disagree on balancing housing and jobs, but they will consider more land to ensure delivery.
Chris Schofield spoke about the inspector’s letter, and he said fixing everything in only six months isn’t possible.
The council doesn’t want to withdraw the plan now. Instead, they want to compromise with the review people and will work to fix things; still, inspectors must rethink some conclusions.
The council may still disagree with the inspectors, yet they will try hard in six months. They want progress to continue.
The Cabinet meets next Wednesday, February 12. They will discuss how to respond to the review group and a timeline for this project.
Members will get data about the new National Planning Policy Framework, including how it impacts decisions on local applications.
Shropshire requires 1,994 new homes each year. The prior aim stood at 1,070 homes.
