Oswestry planning officers recommend refusal of 335-home development

Planning officers have recommended the refusal of a proposed 335-home development located just off Mount Road in Oswestry. The site is currently classified as countryside under the local plan and sits outside the town's development boundary.

Officers cited several material grounds for the refusal recommendation, including concerns regarding biodiversity, design quality, infrastructure, transport impacts, and countryside development. The project has faced significant local opposition, with over 350 public comments submitted to Shropshire Council and an official objection from Oswestry Town Council.

Despite the recommendation to reject the plans, the Secretary of State maintains the authority to ‘call-in’ the decision, potentially moving the final approval process from local authorities to central government. Local representatives have expressed concern that this power could undermine the influence of residents on local planning decisions.