The Southern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council met on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to consider several planning applications. The meeting's agenda included proposals for new residential developments in Ford and Benthall, as well as applications to vary conditions for an anaerobic digestion plant in Bridgnorth and a biodigester station in Ludlow. A reserved matters application for a residential development in Albrighton was also scheduled for discussion.

Proposed Residential Development Land East of Ford, Shrewsbury

The committee was scheduled to discuss a full planning application for the erection of 93 dwellings on land east of Ford, Shrewsbury. The proposal included associated infrastructure and landscaping, with an amended description noting that the development would comprise 100% affordable housing. This included social rented homes and rent-to-buy units, with a focus on accessible accommodation. The application was called into committee due to the Parish Council's objection on material planning grounds.

Swancote Energy Ltd Anaerobic Digestion Plant at Swancote Farm, Bridgnorth

A variation of conditions for the anaerobic digestion plant at Swancote Farm was scheduled for consideration. The application sought to increase the permitted feedstock throughput from 70,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum. The proposal also included a transition away from energy crops to non-agricultural food waste, liquid wastes, and farm manures. The only proposed built development related to access improvement works. Worfield and Rudge Parish Council initially supported the application with considerations, but later withdrew their support due to concerns about updated ammonia and odour emissions reports, and the appropriateness of the planning approach for the proposed changes.

Proposed Residential Development Land Off Benthall Lane And Bridge Bank, Benthall

An outline application for the development of 2 or 3 dwellings on land off Benthall Lane and Bridge Bank in Benthall was scheduled for discussion. All matters, including access, layout, appearance, landscaping, and scale, were reserved for future consideration. This application followed a previous refusal for the same sites due to insufficient information to assess the impact on nearby heritage assets. The current submission included a Heritage Impact Assessment. The site is located within the Broseley Conservation Area and Barrow Parish, which is classified as open countryside.

Proposed Residential Development Land East Of Shaw Lane, Albrighton

A reserved matters application for the layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping of a residential development of 88 dwellings on land east of Shaw Lane, Albrighton, was scheduled. This application was pursuant to an outline planning permission granted previously. The scheme proposed a mix of 1 to 4-bedroom dwellings, including 17 affordable housing units, comprising affordable rent and shared ownership. The development included public open space, sustainable drainage features, and the retention of existing trees and hedgerows.

Marches Biogas Limited Biodigester Station, Ludlow

A variation of a condition attached to a previous permission for the biodigester station at Marches Biogas Limited was scheduled for discussion. The application sought to vary Condition No. 2, relating to approved plans, to allow for a minor revision to the siting of an approved building for feedstock and drying, moving it approximately 2 metres further east. Amended internal access arrangements and the removal of a 3-metre high wall associated with feedstock tip handling were also proposed. No change was proposed to the approved use, scale, height, or operational nature of the development.

Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to receive a schedule of appeals and appeal decisions. This item typically provides an update on recent appeal outcomes relevant to planning decisions.

Date of the Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting of the Southern Planning Committee was scheduled to be noted.