Various updates for residents of Shifnal, Tong and Albrighton

Update on Town Centre Improvements

I recently received an update on the Town Centre improvements from the project manager at Shropshire Council:

• With regards to the Christmas poles and hanging baskets, I am advised that they are all due for delivery, particularly the Christmas poles. There isn’t a specific date but the Council will be advised when they are arrive and when they will be installed.
• There is concern around the ornamental benches in that [Shropshire Council] are struggling to get dates/timeframes for the delivery of these or the fixing channels that must be placed as the paving is laid.
• Shropshire Council are working on a definitive drawing showing positions of street furniture, hanging baskets and Christmas poles and they will have a drawing produced imminently.

Programmed resurfacing work, Station Road, Albrighton

Shropshire Council are currently planning work for next financial year (2023-2024).

The Station Road, Albrighton site has been identified via a combination of local engineering judgment and asset management data as needing essential maintenance. The site forms part of a countywide programme of schemes, scheduled to deliver the work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

The scheme will involve resurfacing work, which is the placement of a new asphalt layer which is applied by a paving machine and then rolled to achieve a smooth, strong surface. Resurfacing is a vital part of Highways maintenance; it improves the long-term condition of roads, helps to prevent structural problems in the future and reduces time spent on smaller repairs, such as filling potholes.

A road closure will be required to ensure the safety of road users and those carrying out the work. The work is likely to take place between April and August 2023 during the warmer months.

This investment is positive news for Albrighton.

Question regarding development near Stone Drive, Shifnal

There was a post on here about developments near Stone Drive, Shifnal. Residents were concerned that this would further delay adoption of roads on Thomas Beddoes estate.

I received a response from Shropshire Council that “We do not have any current planning applications on this site but it is showing as safeguarded land in the draft local plan for Shifnal.”

Another officer also commented “I can confirm that the site referenced within your earlier email is currently identified as safeguarded land within the SAMDev Plan and is proposed to remain as such within the draft Shropshire Local Plan.

In summary, safeguarded land is land that has been removed from the Green Belt and safeguarded for future development. Draft Policy S15.1 of the draft Shropshire Local Plan provides the proposed development strategy for Shifnal. It explains at paragraph 7 that ‘Land beyond the development boundary that is not part of the Green Belt is safeguarded for Shifnal’s future development needs, beyond the Plan period after 2038…’.”

Appeal Decision – Hubbal Lane, Tong

There had been an application to convert agricultural buildings in Hubbal Lane, Tong to General Industrial and Storage use.  Residents had previously complained about lorries travelling up and down the narrow Hubbal lane.  The initlal application was rejected as was the appeal:

Appeal Ref: APP/L3245/W/21/3279076

Tong Hill Farm, Hubbal Lane, Tong, Shifnal TF11 8PW

• The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

against a refusal to grant planning permission.

• The appeal is made by Bradford Rural Estates against the decision of Shropshire

Council.

• The application Ref 21/00817/FUL, dated 19 January 2021, was refused by notice dated

18 May 2021.

• The development proposed is the change of use of hardstanding and buildings

(Agricultural) to General Industrial (Class B2) and Storage (Class B8) uses.

Stanton Road

I am continuing to pursue Shropshire Council’s environment department in cutting back the hedge in Stanton Road and overgrown weeds near the bus-stop but progress is frustratingly slow!