Wrekin MP, Mark Pritchard, has welcomed Telford and Wrekin Council’s decision to withdraw the outline planning application in which it was co-applicant.

Mr. Pritchard wrote to Council Leader Cllr Shaun Davies twice in the run-up to the decision, outlining his objections and supporting those already expressed by Shawbirch residents.

Commenting on the decision, Mr. Pritchard said:

“I welcome this eleventh hour decision by the Council to withdraw this completely inappropriate application for the site. But I am still concerned by the Council Leader’s statement that the site is still designated for ‘employment’ use.

My constituents do not want any kind of industrial facility built at that site. The Council need to listen to the concerns of local residents.

I have therefore written again to the Council's leadership asking them to consider changing the land use designation of the site. This would safeguard residents against future inappropriate developments on the basis of use, although of course we will have to remain vigilant against size, density and suitability to the surroundings for any other type of application that may be submitted.

Mr. Pritchard has written to the Council to request that it change the land-use designation of the site in the context of the Telford and Wrekin local plan. He currently awaits a response.