In December 2024, the Labour Government published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introducing significant changes. One of the key changes is the increased housing delivery requirements across local authorities. For Shropshire, this means that the annual housing target has risen sharply, from 1,070 to 2,025 new homes per year.
In addition, the updated NPPF requires all local authorities to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. This ensures that there is a sufficient pipeline of deliverable sites to meet future housing needs. Currently, Shropshire Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, having a substantial shortfall.
In response to this pressing need for new homes, an outline planning application is being progressed for this Site. This Site has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the current housing shortfall in a manner that is aligned with national planning policy.
Planning Context
The Site
The Site comprises a parcel of land located west of Perryfield Road, positioned to the south of Baschurch and adjacent to the existing built form. To the west, the River Perry separates the Site and agricultural land.
Baschurch itself is a sustainable settlement that benefits from various services and facilities including a primary school, nursery and secondary school, as well as a GP surgery, sports facilities, shops, pubs, restaurants, and a village hall. As a result, future occupiers would have access to a range of local services and facilities within reasonable walking and cycling distance.
The Draft Proposals
Our proposals include up to 199 new houses, which would include both affordable and market houses across the site. Safe and convenient vehicular access to the proposed development would be achieved off Perryfield Road to the northeast of the Site. In addition, the site would be integrated into the existing village-built form through retention of the existing Public Right of Way, facilitating strong pedestrian connectivity throughout the development into the wider Baschurch area.
It is proposed that the Site will provide high-quality open spaces, including a children’s play area, and significant areas of landscape buffering and sustainable drainage features, for existing and new residents. Existing trees and vegetation will be retained where possible to preserve and maintain the Site’s natural character, complemented by new planting introduced throughout the development to strengthen the green infrastructure.
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