Developers have submitted further details for a massive housing development on 273.1 hectares (675 acres) of land near Eyton, Wappenshall and Wheat Leasows, close to Telford, which is currently dominated by arable farmland used for growing cereal and non-cereal crops. The scheme would deliver up to 3,400 dwellings, along with land for two primary schools, an eight-form secondary school, two neighbourhood centres, employment land, and open space including children's play areas and sports pitches.
Farmland Quality and Current Use
According to a 150-page report submitted by White Peak Planning, acting on behalf of Bellway Homes, Hallam Land, Homes England, David Udale Ltd, and Sydney Farms Ltd, the site is mostly in arable farming use, primarily for growing combinable crops. Some 118 hectares (292 acres) of the land, which stretches from Shawbirth in the west to Horton in the east, is given the second highest farmland rating, while nearly 100 hectares is rated good, and 43.6 hectares moderate. The farmland is separated by hedgerows, trees, watercourses, and drainage ditches.
The report states: "The site is mostly in arable farming use, and mostly used for growing combinable crops. There are a number of fields of grassland near Wappenshall Farm, with some livestock grazing." The land has long been in the draft Telford & Wrekin Local Plan, which is set to be formally adopted later this year after being assessed by planning inspectors. Two other areas north of Telford have been earmarked, bringing new developments across the three sites to around 8,000 more homes.
Environmental Impact and Wildlife Concerns
Eco experts have already examined the site and found it to be suitable habitat for "protected and notable species," including badger, bats, birds, great crested newt, reptiles, otter, and water vole. These species could be at risk of death from traffic, affected by light pollution, and increases in predation. The developers are expected to submit reports looking at the impact on biodiversity, landscape, heritage, transport, noise, air quality, flood risk, climate change, social economics, human health, agricultural land, and health.
The environmental impact assessment will also require proposed mitigation measures with the aim of avoiding, reducing, or compensating for potential adverse effects and improving potential beneficial effects. The assessment is expected to be followed by an outline planning application. Three local councillors have already responded to a technical consultation as planners launch an assessment. An official consultation period is scheduled to end on August 25, but there is no official deadline for the assessment to be completed.
Local Councillors Raise Concerns
Councillor Karen Blundell (Lib Dem, Apley Castle) wrote: "The infrastructure is not in a position to deal with this on the current roads around the potential development, especially as Hortonwood is always difficult at peak travel times." Two Hadley and Leegomery parish councillors have added their comments. Councillor Stuart Parr (Conservative, Hadley Manor Ward) said the site is a peat bog, suffering extensive flooding in winter. "Excavating the peat bog will release large amounts of CO2 back into the atmosphere at the same time that Telford & Wrekin Council has declared a climate emergency," he writes.
Councillor Jordan Keeble (Labour, Apley Castle Ward) wrote that his main worries are surrounding the impact on road infrastructure and school placements. "Protection of the wildlife and biodiversity also need to be at the forefront of this proposal, it's encouraging to see areas of the development set aside for wildlife and bio-diversity, these areas should remain in the plans and the wildlife should be protected during operations if this development is built." Around 2,100 of the homes would be built by 2041 and would be counted in the current local plan.
