Developers have withdrawn their application for a proposed mini-estate of up to 85 homes in Tibberton village, located near Newport in Shropshire. The council planners were unequivocal that such a development would contravene local policies. These policies closely reflect the community’s desire to maintain and protect the area’s rural character.
The local plan team must have communicated to Boningale Homes that their application for the 85 units would not be approved. According to the planners, the project “would result in a significant increase in housing within the rural area and therefore would not be considered acceptable.” This honest feedback resulted in us withdrawing the original application, which had proposed 35% affordable homes.
Despite this disappointment, we have found two alternative brownfield development sites within Tibberton village. When analyzed, these sites only had potential for a cumulative 50 new homes. The council has consistently reiterated its support for only a small amount of “infill housing” in the village. Freedom of Information requests Councillor Stephen Burrell, who represents Tibberton and sits on Telford council. He is against all forms of large, developing enterprises and angrily fights for those smaller enterprises that align with local needs and goals.
The council’s long-term plan looks to improve housing in rural areas. They put forth the commitment to build approximately 1,000 net new homes by 2031. This strategy, along with others included in their comprehensive plan, helps manage growth to protect the character of small towns such as nearby Tibberton.
Councillor Burrell once again stated his fears about what effect such large housing developments so close to the countryside would have on Burghfield village’s character. He pushes the concept of smart, sustainable development that mirrors what their residents want and need.
