Following a phone conversation yesterday between myself and the MP for the Wrekin, Mark Pritchard he has issued the following statement in support of Shifnal. I know that he has already lobbied the Shropshire Council leadership on our behalf and on behalf of Tong residents and will continue to do so.
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FROM SHIFNAL MP, MARK PRITCHARD
“I have made it very clear to the Leader of Shropshire Council and to senior planning officers that Shifnal should not be subject to overdevelopment. This is a view that I know is shared by local Conservative Councillors.
Shifnal has seen much development over recent years and it is important that any other new development is sustainable in social, environmental, and physical terms, not least with the provision of adequate and supporting infrastructure, drainage, expanded school and GP provision places, and protecting Shifnal’s greenfield sites.
Every town experiences growth, but growth should be organic and sustainable, not revolutionary and unsustainable. Proposed sites also need to consider existing land uses, not overturn them. Central government is clear, brownfield sites must always be given precedence.
Whilst I support community led residential development as well as limited SME and light industrial and commercial development – these sites need to be located in the right areas and enjoy Town Council and community support.
I will oppose unsuitable and unsustainable planning applications, whenever they are submitted, and when I agree with the representations made to me.
Nonetheless, I must highlight MPs have no legal or Parliamentary powers over individual planning applications, given these decisions rest with the Local Planning Authority, and locally elected Councillors. Nonetheless, I will work with everyone who wants to see Shifnal stay sustainable and special.
Let us all work together for the common good.”
Mark Pritchard MP
Edward Bird - Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford 