Boost for village campaign

A campaign to protect more than 50 hectares of green belt in a Shropshire village has received a major boost.

Albrighton Parish Council voted to unanimously object to the proposed development by Boningale Homes to build 800 houses, a secondary school, care home and supermarket. 

All 10 local councillors present voted to protect the village from the scheme that residents say threatens to stretch existing infrastructure, cause traffic chaos and destroy the countryside.

The decision was welcomed by Albrighton Village Action Group (AVAG), a volunteer-led organisation that recently handed in a 3700-strong petition to Shropshire Council.

“We are now approaching 500 objections from residents on the Shropshire Council Planning Portal to these proposals and this number is growing daily,” said co-chair of AVAG Charlie Blakemore.

“There is an unbelievable groundswell of residents in the village that object vehemently against the Boningale Homes plan, and we are delighted that our Parish Council has represented our views by unanimously objecting.

“Albrighton is already being significantly developed within the Local Plan with over 770 houses being added or land earmarked. We have done more than our fair share to meet housing demands, so an extra 800 houses would completely overdevelop the village, amenities, infrastructure and roads.” 

AVAG has created two video guides (available on www.albightongreenbelt.co.uk) on how to register an objection and compiled nearly 40 key reasons why the overdevelopment should not take place. 

It is also hosting drop-in sessions at the Red House, Melville Club and Scout Den, where volunteers will be available in person to help villagers go through the objection process. 

Objections against the plan can be made until August 13.

A spokesperson for Boningale Homes said: “We remain confident this is a very positive scheme for Albrighton which delivers key facilities as well as much-needed new homes.

“The housing development would come with a host of benefits to the local community, from a minor injuries unit, pharmacy and GP surgery to a secondary school for up to 750 pupils and a supermarket.

“There would be a clear economic benefit too, with the overall impact of the development delivering 1,200 jobs and bringing a £60m boost to the Shropshire and local economy.

“We are a developer with strong local links to Albrighton and an extensive public consultation process was undertaken, during which we listened to all views.”