Here is a summary of the agenda for the Southern Planning Committee meeting on 26 August 2025. The meeting included discussion of a housing scheme in Bridgnorth, and the expansion of a caravan site near Shrewsbury. The committee was also scheduled to note a schedule of recent appeals and appeal decisions.

Spring Lea Caravan Site Expansion

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the expansion of the Spring Lea fishery and holiday park near Shrewsbury. Salop Caravan Sites Ltd requested permission to add 40 static caravans, a new access road, a separate pedestrian route from the A488, and to relocate an amenity block with staff accommodation and parking. The additional caravans would be located around two new ornamental and sustainable urban drainage system¹ attenuation ponds in a paddock adjacent to the existing site's southeastern boundary. Other works, including another attenuation pond, would be in an arable field between the existing caravan site and the A488 to the north. Landscaping was planned throughout the site.

Pontesbury Parish Council objected to the application, citing overdevelopment, negative visual impact, and incompatibility with the Pontesbury Neighbourhood Plan. Concerns were also raised about vehicle speeds on the A488 and the potential for further expansion.

Despite these objections, planning officers had recommended approval, subject to conditions.

Bridgnorth Housing Scheme

The committee was scheduled to discuss a proposal for a cross-subsidy housing scheme on land south of the A458, off Oldbury Road in Bridgnorth. Mr David Doley applied for permission to build four affordable houses and six open market dwellings, all with garages, along with a new access road and alterations to an existing field access.

Bridgnorth Town Council supported the application, but the local member, and over 40 public representations objected, citing environmental impact, harm to the Oldbury Conservation Area, sustainability issues, and conflicts with Shropshire Council's planning policies.

Planning officers had recommended refusal, stating that the development would be in an unsustainable location, would not make efficient use of land, would not be well-designed, and would harm the setting of the Oldbury Conservation Area.

Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions

The committee was scheduled to review a schedule of appeals and appeal decisions, including:

• An appeal against non-determination for a children's activity and learning centre east of Ludlow Road, Bridgnorth, made by Mr & Mrs Matthews. The appeal was allowed on 15 July 2025.
• An appeal against refusal for a proposed temporary agricultural workers dwelling north of the B4364 in Wheathill, Shropshire, made by Ms S Odell.
• An appeal against refusal for a variation of condition relating to works at The Green Farm, Middlehope, Craven Arms, made by Mr S Donovan.
• An appeal against refusal for an outline application for a dwelling south of Overton Grange Farm, Richards Castle, made by Ray & Catherine Mantle. The appeal was dismissed on 22 July 2025.
• An appeal against an enforcement notice relating to a material change of use and operational development south of the B4368 in Newcastle, Shropshire, made by Mr Richard Knight.
• An appeal against refusal for a change of use from agricultural to one residential unit at Mortimer Hill, Cleobury Mortimer, made by Mr Ian Swancott. The appeal was dismissed on 31 July 2025.
• An appeal against refusal for discharge of a Section 106 agreement² attached to a planning application at The Laurels, Beamish Lane, Albrighton, made by Mr Karl Sitt.
• An appeal against refusal for extensions and roof height increase at 17 Woodlands Close, Broseley, made by Johanna Persson and Crawford Coulson. The appeal was dismissed on 5 August 2025.
• An appeal against refusal for an extension at Bankcrest, Tenbury Road, Clee Hill, made by Mr Liam Whitbread. The appeal was dismissed on 6 August 2025.
• An appeal against refusal for a detached dwelling on land adjoining Dalesford, Cardingmill Valley, Church Stretton, made by Jayne Walton. The appeal was dismissed on 7 August 2025.
• An appeal against refusal for a dwelling for single disabled occupancy, access drive and parking on land adjacent to 11 Corfton Bache, Craven Arms, made by Mr David Dickinson. The appeal was dismissed on 14 August 2025.