The Southern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council met on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to consider several planning applications. The meeting's agenda included proposals for new residential developments in Ford and Benthall, as well as applications to vary conditions for an anaerobic digestion plant in Bridgnorth and a biodigester station in Ludlow. A reserved matters application for a residential development in Albrighton was also scheduled for discussion.

Proposed Residential Development Land East of Ford, Shrewsbury

The committee was scheduled to discuss a full planning application for the erection of 93 dwellings on land east of Ford, Shrewsbury. The proposal included associated infrastructure and landscaping, with the report pack indicating that the development would comprise 100% affordable housing. This included social rented homes and rent-to-buy units, with a number of one-bedroom bungalows designed for accessibility. The application was brought to the committee due to the Parish Council's view being contrary to officers' recommendations on material planning reasons.

Swancote Energy Ltd Anaerobic Digestion Plant at Swancote Farm, Bridgnorth

A variation of conditions for the anaerobic digestion plant at Swancote Farm was scheduled for consideration. The application sought to vary Condition 3 (revised access proposals), Condition 9 (feedstock type), and Condition 10A (feedstock allowance) attached to a previous permission. The report pack indicated a proposed increase in the 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. The only built development proposed related to access improvement works.

Proposed Residential Development Land Off Benthall Lane And Bridge Bank, Benthall

The committee was to consider an outline application for the development of 2 or 3 dwellings on land off Benthall Lane and Bridge Bank in Benthall. All matters were reserved for future consideration. The report pack noted that a previous planning consent for the same sites had been refused the previous year due to insufficient information to assess the impact on nearby heritage assets. This submission included a Heritage Impact Assessment. The site is located within the Broseley Conservation Area and adjacent to existing dwellings.

Proposed Residential Development Land East Of Shaw Lane, Albrighton

A reserved matters application for the layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping for the residential development of 88 dwellings on land east of Shaw Lane, Albrighton, was scheduled. This application was pursuant to an outline planning permission. The scheme proposed a mix of one to four-bedroom dwellings, including 17 affordable housing units, to be delivered as a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership. The development included public open space, sustainable drainage features, and the retention of existing trees and hedgerows.

Marches Biogas Limited Biodigester Station, Ludlow

The committee was to consider a variation of Condition No. 2 attached to a previous permission for the Marches Biogas Limited Biodigester Station at Coder Road, Ludlow. The application was made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The proposal involved a minor revision to the siting of an approved building for feedstock and drying, moving it approximately 2 metres further eastwards, along with amended internal access arrangements and the removal of a wall associated with feedstock tip handling. No change was proposed to the approved use, scale, height, or operational nature of the development.

Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to note the schedule of appeals and appeal decisions.

Date of the Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was to be noted as Tuesday, 30 June 2026.