The William James Group had put in an application earlier this year for permission in principal to develop eight homes on land beside the Hill Valley Golf Club on Terrick Road in Whitchurch.
A planning statement accompanying the Altrincham-based developer’s proposals said: “The site makes efficient and effective use of previously developed land and offers realistic opportunities for future residents to utilise sustainable transport modes, including walking, cycling, public transport and electric vehicles.”
READ MORE: Eight-home plan beside Hill Valley Golf Club
But now a Shropshire Council planning officer has thrown out the plans, saying that even though the site is under a mile from shops and amenities in Whitchurch, it is unsuitable for housing.
A report accompanying the decision to reject the plans reads: “In terms of benefits, the proposal would provide up to eight dwellings.
“Set against the shortfall of housing, it would make a minor but positive contribution to boosting housing.”
The land is currently accessed via the Hill Valley Golf Club car park, but new access would have been created if the plans are approved (Image: Google Street View)
However, it adds: “The proposal would not be a suitable location for housing, conflicting with the spatial strategy and likely requiring private car use for everyday needs, particularly in the darker winter months and during inclement weather.
“Whilst the proposed development would be closely associated with existing built development at the hotel/ golf complex, this does not generate a residential character to the area.
“The positioning of tightly packed dwellings, just off the road would have a detrimental impact on the character and distinctiveness of what is an area with a distinctly rural character and landscape.”
It also warns the location could pose a danger to residents hoping to use amenities in the town.
“The nearest services and facilities are those in Whitchurch, which although extensive are a minimum of 1.2 km from the application site and for most of the route there are no pavements or streetlights,” the report from planning officer Mark Perry adds.
“This would make access by foot or bike unpleasant/ unsafe particularly in the dark or during inclement weather.
“As such, occupants of any dwelling would likely rely on private cars, even for a short journey to access services, facilities and employment opportunities (other than at the hotel/ golf club).”
The plans had met with two objections from one person, who commented on the lack of reference in the application to an adjoining neighbour, the suitability of unlit roads and without pavements, the isolated location, loss of privacy and the impact on the homes from the hotel and car park.
