This week in Shropshire:

Licensing Decision Looms for Rowley's Mansion Courtyard

A decision is pending that could significantly alter the atmosphere of Shrewsbury town centre. The Licensing Act Sub-Committee is set to decide on a new premises licence application for Rowley's Mansion Courtyard, with a decision due on Wednesday. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The application proposes an outdoor café bar with late-night refreshments and alcohol sales until 3 am on weekdays and 5 am on weekends. This has sparked concerns among residents about potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and crime.
• The Proposal: Capital Bars Frankwell Ltd seeks to operate an outdoor café bar in the courtyard of Rowley's Mansion, licensing a 14 x 6 metre area for a bar and food vendor, with an unlicensed seating area for consumption.
• Resident Concerns: Residents have voiced strong objections, citing potential noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, and crime due to the proximity of residential dwellings. One resident, Ms Andrea Belloli, who lives on Claremont Place, raised concerns about noise spillage, control of entry, and the impact on the listed building.
• Applicant's Response: Capital Bars Frankwell Ltd has outlined steps to promote the licensing objectives, including 24-hour CCTV, SIA registered security staff, and staff training.
• The Question: Will the Licensing Act Sub-Committee grant the licence, potentially transforming the character of the town centre, or will they side with residents who fear increased noise and disorder?

Shropshire Hills Partnership Mulls Over Modernisation

The Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership met to discuss proposed changes to its structure, aiming to modernise ways of working and broaden engagement. The meeting, held at the Craven Arms Community Centre, included discussions on river project work and a Management Plan review. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The proposed changes could reshape how the Shropshire Hills National Landscape[^1] is managed and protected, impacting conservation efforts and community involvement.
• The Changes: The Partnership is considering becoming a broader, more inclusive group, working through informal meetings. A new Advisory Committee would be formed, acting as a Joint Advisory Committee to the two Councils.
• The Goal: The changes aim to allow the Team more time to work with key delivery partners, renew relationships with the Councils, and align with national directions for National Landscape governance.
• Management Plan Review: The Partnership received a verbal update on the consultation for the Management Plan review, with an opportunity for further discussion.
• River Project Update: Matthew Lawrence of the Environment Agency[^2] provided a verbal update on recent river project work.

Licensing Act Sub-Committee Addresses Premises Licence Review

The Licensing Act Sub-Committee convened to address an application for the review of a premises licence. The meeting also included the election of a chair and consideration of whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The review of a premises licence can have significant implications for local businesses and communities, potentially leading to changes in operating conditions or even revocation of the licence.
• Exclusion of Press and Public: The sub-committee considered excluding the press and public from the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, relating to the application for the review of a premises licence.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Act Sub-Committee on Wednesday 06 August 2025
  • Application for a Premises Licence - Rowley's Mansion Courtyard

This week in Shropshire:

Quarry Expansion Approved Amid Environmental Concerns

The Southern Planning Committee approved the extension of Morville Quarry, near Bridgnorth, a decision that has sparked debate about balancing economic needs with environmental protection. The approval allows for the extraction of approximately 2.7 million tonnes of sand and gravel over 20 years. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The quarry extension will contribute to Shropshire's mineral supply but raises concerns about habitat loss and traffic impact.
• The Plan: The project includes mineral extraction, processing, and recycling of imported materials, with restoration plans for wildlife habitats.
• Biodiversity Net Gain: The restoration scheme is expected to provide a 24.73% Biodiversity Net Gain.¹
• Traffic Concerns: The development includes a gated vehicular crossing point over Hangmans Lane, managed by temporary traffic lights, raising concerns about traffic disruption.
• Section 106 Agreement: The approval is subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and Biodiversity Gain Land Monitoring contribution. ## Housing Development Rejected Over Sustainability Concerns

The Southern Planning Committee refused planning permission for nine dwellings on land south west of Home Farm, Longville In The Dale, citing concerns about the site's unsustainable location and impact on heritage assets. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The decision highlights the council's commitment to protecting the character of the open countryside and preserving heritage assets.
• The Concerns: Councillors expressed concern regarding the access to the site, the effect of the development on adjacent heritage assets, and the loss of protected trees.
• Policy Conflicts: The refusal was based on the development's conflict with Shropshire Council policies, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and the NPPF (2024).
• Biodiversity Net Gain: Insufficient information was provided to demonstrate the provision of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Councillor Statements: Councillor Colin Stanford, local Ward Councillor, made a statement in accordance with Shropshire Council's Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees. Paul Middleton, (Agent), spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council's Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Unauthorised Work at Shadwell Quarry Draws Criticism

The committee approved an application for the variation of Condition 2 and removal of condition 15 at Shadwell Quarry, Farley Road, Much Wenlock. However, members expressed disappointment that unauthorised work had been carried out which had resulted in the loss of valuable habitat. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The decision highlights the importance of adhering to planning conditions and the consequences of unauthorised development.
• Lost Benefits: Money for traffic calming measures and the proposed provision of a public toilet block would now not be available.
• Additional Screening: The committee requested that additional screening be put at the entrance of the site where it would be most visible from the public highway.
• Councillor Statements: Councillor Chris Tyler made a statement in opposition to the application on behalf of Much Wenlock Town Council in accordance with Shropshire Council's Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees. Councillor Dan Thomas, local Ward Councillor made a statement in accordance with Shropshire Council's Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Other Matters

• The committee approved an application for the widening of the existing vehicular access, enlargement of the parking/turning area, and formation of a forestry track at Hope Valley Nature Reserve.
• The committee approved an application for the erection of a single-storey side extension at 2 Glebe Cottages, Wistanstow, Craven Arms.
• The committee noted the schedule of appeals and appeal decisions for the southern area as of 24 June 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Act Sub-Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025
• Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership. on Thursday 31 July 2025
• Licensing Act Sub-Committee on Wednesday 06 August 2025

This week in Shropshire:

Financial Concerns Loom as Council Reviews Performance and Treasury

Shropshire Council is set to discuss its financial performance for 2024/25 at a meeting on Thursday. The Council meeting will address key issues such as increased spending in children's services, rising demand in adult social care, and savings shortfalls in other departments. The Annual Assurance Report of the Audit Committee to Council 2024/25 provides limited assurance that the council has adequate and effective governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.

• The Stakes: The council's financial health directly impacts the services it provides to residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
• The Numbers: The Financial Outturn 2024/25 report highlights a £34.230 million variance above budget, with significant deficits in the Central Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)[^7], leaving a cumulative DSG deficit of £17.639m at the end of the financial year.
• Treasury Performance: The Annual Treasury Report 2024/25 notes that investment returns were marginally short of the benchmark, achieving a return of 4.87%.
• Audit Committee's Concerns: The Audit Committee's report provides limited assurance that the council has adequate and effective governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks.

Domestic Abuse Strategy Aims to Bolster Support for Victims

The Council is scheduled to consider the Safe Accommodation Strategy 2025 at its meeting on Thursday, a plan required under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The strategy aims to provide safe accommodation and support to victims of domestic abuse, addressing a critical need in the community.

• The Stakes: Domestic abuse has devastating consequences for victims and their families, and the strategy aims to provide a lifeline for those in need.
• The Need: The strategy is informed by the Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment, which identifies gaps in service provision and the need for a coordinated community response.
• Continuity: The report notes that the strategy is largely consistent with the previous strategy, with no material differences, as the original objectives and plans have delivered what was required and remain appropriate to the needs identified.

Quarry Extension and Housing Development Under Scrutiny

The Northern Planning Committee met this week to discuss several key planning applications, including a sand and gravel quarry extension and a residential development. The Northern Planning Committee meeting addressed concerns about traffic, environmental impact, and the character of local communities.

• Tern Hill Quarry Extension: The committee considered an application for mineral extraction of sand and gravel to extend the former Tern Hill Quarry. Stoke upon Tern Parish Council and Sutton upon Tern Parish Council have objected to the plans, raising concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, noise and dust.
• Hadnall Residential Development: The committee also considered an application for the erection of two dwellings and associated landscaping on land adjacent to Holmleigh, 34 Shrewsbury Road, Hadnall. Hadnall Parish Council has objected to the application, stating that Hadnall is designated Open Countryside under the existing Adopted Local Plan and is not identified as a settlement to accommodate market residential development.
• Appeals: The committee also reviewed recent appeal decisions, including those relating to a new dwelling at Coldridge Drive, Shrewsbury and a building for private horse riding practice at Land to South of Nook Lane, Weston under Redcastle.

Other Matters

• The Council is scheduled to discuss a proposal to change the name of the Audit Committee to the Audit and Governance Committee and increase its membership.
• The Council is scheduled to note appointments to outside bodies, committees, and groups.
• The Council is scheduled to discuss a motion calling for Shropshire Council Highways to remove disused and broken signs left behind by previous work schemes.
• The Council is scheduled to discuss a motion expressing concerns about revisions to the 'standard method'[^1] for calculating housing targets and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Upcoming Meetings

• Southern Planning Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025
• Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership. on Thursday 31 July 2025

This week in Shropshire:

SEND Strategy Faces Scrutiny Amidst Financial Challenges

Shropshire Council's Cabinet met this week and were scheduled to discuss the Shropshire Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy 2025 – 2029, a plan aimed at improving services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The strategy's adoption comes at a time when the council is grappling with significant financial challenges, raising questions about its long-term sustainability and impact. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The strategy aims to support vulnerable children and young people, including those looked after and care leavers with SEND up to age 25.
• The Strategy: The Cabinet were scheduled to consider the final draft of the strategy and recommend its adoption to the full Council in September.
• The Framework: The Cabinet were also scheduled to consider the draft Outcomes Framework and recommend its adoption to full Council in September as a live working document, with the aim of focusing on improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Financial Context: The Cabinet also received a Financial Monitoring Report, highlighting a forecast outturn position of £13.174m overspend as at 31 March 2026, driven by projected under-delivery of in-year savings by £28.439m.
• The Question: Will the council be able to deliver on its promises to improve SEND services given its current financial difficulties?

Planning Reforms Spark Debate Over Local Control

The Cabinet were also scheduled to consider the council's proposed responses to a series of government consultations on reforms to the planning system. The consultations addressed the speed and transparency of housing build-out, site thresholds in decision making, and planning committees. Read the full details here.

• The Stakes: The reforms could significantly alter the way planning decisions are made in Shropshire, potentially impacting the environment, housing supply, and local democracy.
• The Concerns: The council opposed the introduction of a national scheme of delegation for planning committees, advocating for the continuation of a local approach to maintain local democratic oversight.
• The Support: The council was generally supportive of proposals regarding models of housebuilding which build faster, and of the introduction of measures to improve build out transparency.
• The Goal: The proposed responses aimed to ensure that the reforms align with and support the achievement of sustainable development in Shropshire and through this, the Shropshire Plan.

Oswestry Skateboard Park Petition Considered

The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met and considered a petition bearing 423 signatures requesting the council to pass unused land to the north of Oswestry Leisure Centre to Oswestry Town Council, on the condition that it is used for a skateboard facility and pump track. Read the full details here.

• The Petition: The petition stated that young people deserve to enjoy proper exercise facilities in Oswestry and that their lack increases the risks to them, and other residents, from anti-social riding and skating in public places.
• The Supporters: The petition was started by Theo, who works in a bike shop in the town, and Councillor Olly Rose of Oswestry Town Council.
• The Question: Will the council support the creation of a new recreational facility for young people in Oswestry?

Other Matters

• The Cabinet were scheduled to consider the Annual Customer Feedback Report for 2024/25, which noted that more complaints were progressing beyond stage 1, presenting the risk that complaints were taking longer to address.
• The Cabinet were scheduled to consider the Annual Treasury Management Report 2024/25, which noted that the council complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements.
• The Cabinet were scheduled to consider the transfer of the management of the six Coroner's Officers from West Mercia Police to Shropshire Council, with a target date of 1st October 2025.
• The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership Annual Report 2023/24 and discussed the Community Safety Partnership Prioritisation Strategy 2025/26.

Upcoming Meetings

• Northern Planning Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025
  • Tern Hill Quarry Extension
  • Hadnall Residential Development
  • Riverside Shopping Centre Amendment
• Audit Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025
• Council on Thursday 17 July 2025
• Southern Planning Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025