'I'm concerned it will change what Bridgnorth is' - Residents react to proposal for 1,500 homes on edge of town

Bloor Homes, working in partnership with Taylor Wimpey, is behind the Tasley Garden Village project, which the developers say has been designed to meet the growth and development needs of the town for the next 15 years.

As well as the homes, the scheme also includes a new two-form entry primary school, and a range of community facilities, all set within extensive landscaped public open space including a new sports pitches and a 19.5 hecare country park.

Employment land covering 14.6ha, with uses geared towards commercial space, light industrial and agri-business, is also part of the plans.

The site has subsequently being included as a draft allocation in the emerging Shropshire Local Plan.

Consultation events were held at Bridgnorth Rugby Club and St Leonard’s Hall Church, Tasley, respectively last week in which nearly 200 people attended.

Marion Griffiths, who has lived in Bridgnorth for 11 years with husband Ron, said she is concerned about how the infrastructure in the area could cope with so many more houses.

“It’s a market town so I don’t know how it will cope with all of the traffic,” said Mrs Griffiths.

“But I’m also concerned that it will change what Bridgnorth is. It will probably not happen for five, 10 years, but there is a big elderly population who are worried about the health service and the amount of traffic.

“If there are traffic lights or a broken drain, the whole place gets totally snarled up, so I don’t think it could cope with it.”

Mark Ward, who has lived in the town for 25 years, is also sceptical about whether the local infrastucture could cope. However, he accepts that there is a need for more houses, especially for younger people aho are currently being priced out.

“My son is still living at home because he cannot afford a house,” said Mr Ward.

“We do need more [houses] but I wonder why they are putting in so many at one time.”

Anne Churchill, meanwhile, moved to Bridgnorth from Wednesbury in the Black Country five years ago. She said that the town has “a lot going for it” but has been classed as “neglected” by some locals.

“I’ve just come to look for myself instead of listening to people,” said Ms Churchill.

“I used to work in community development so I’ve come out of interest. My friends have just messaged me saying the land has already been bought and passed, but I’m just reading that is not true.

“So I said I was going to just find out for myself. They are getting the wrong picture, so this [what the application says] is good.”

Max Whitehead, planning director at Bloor Homes Midlands, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who attended our drop-in events to view our evolving proposals. We had some very constructive discussions and suggestions on a wide range of topics.

“We would encourage anyone who was unable to attend to take part in the consultation online at our dedicated website. All the information displayed at the exhibitions is available to view on the website, along with an online version of the feedback questionnaire.

“Feedback from local people will help to further shape the plans before we submit an outline planning application in the spring.”

Stephen Swinscoe, strategic land regional director at Taylor Wimpey, added: “We were pleased to be able to present our illustrative vision for Tasley Garden Village to the local community.

“We are at an early stage in the process and there will be a further opportunity for the public to get involved in helping to shape this important development for Bridgnorth through the council’s statutory consultation on our outline planning submission.”