The Southern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council met on Tuesday 26 May 2026, determining several planning applications. Key decisions included the refusal of a large 100% affordable housing development in Ford, the approval of variations to an anaerobic digestion plant's conditions near Bridgnorth, and the granting of outline permission for three new dwellings in Benthall. Reserved matters for an 88-dwelling development in Albrighton were also approved, alongside minor variations to a biodigester station in Ludlow.

Proposed Residential Development Land East of Ford Shrewsbury Shropshire (25/04301/FUL)

Contrary to officer recommendations, the committee refused planning permission for the erection of 93 dwellings, comprising 100% affordable housing, with associated infrastructure and landscaping on land east of Ford. The reasons for refusal cited the site's open countryside location, the disproportionate impact on the settlement's housing mix and character, overdevelopment, highway safety concerns related to the access point opposite a primary school, the loss of historic ridge and furrow and high-quality habitats, an unproven local need for the affordable housing, insufficient infrastructure provision, and potential flood risk.

Swancote Energy Ltd Anaerobic Digestion Plant at Swancote Farm, Swancote, Bridgnorth (25/02645/VAR)

Planning permission was granted for the variation of conditions related to access proposals, feedstock type, and feedstock allowance at the Swancote Energy Ltd Anaerobic Digestion Plant. The variation allows for an increase in permitted feedstock throughput from 70,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum, with a transition away from energy crops to non-agricultural food waste, liquid wastes, and farm manures. Statutory consultees raised no objections, and members welcomed the move away from energy crops.

Proposed Residential Development Land Off Benthall Lane And Bridge Bank Benthall Broseley Shropshire (25/03946/OUT)

Outline planning permission was granted for the development of two or three dwellings on land off Benthall Lane and Bridge Bank in Benthall. This decision was made despite concerns raised by the Local Member, Barrow Parish Council, and local residents regarding highway safety, the impact on the Broseley Conservation Area, site stability, and drainage. The committee accepted the officer's recommendation, with highway safety to be considered in detail at the reserved matters stage.

Proposed Residential Development Land East Of Shaw Lane Albrighton Shropshire (25/03227/REM)

Reserved matters approval was granted for the layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping of 88 dwellings on land east of Shaw Lane, Albrighton. The development includes a mix of open market and affordable housing, with a cycle and footway link through the site and public open space. Members welcomed the affordable housing provision and the cycleway but requested further consideration for play areas for older children.

Marches Biogas Limited Biodigester Station Coder Road Ludlow Shropshire (26/00870/VAR)

Planning permission was granted for a variation of Condition No. 2 attached to a previous permission for the Marches Biogas Limited Biodigester Station in Ludlow. The variation involves a minor revision to the siting of an approved building for feedstock and drying, moving it approximately two metres further east, along with amended internal access arrangements and the removal of a wall. Members considered the amendments to be minor and acceptable.

Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions

The committee noted the Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions for the southern area as at 26 May 2026.

Date of the Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Southern Planning Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June 2026.