The Northern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to consider several proposed residential developments and an application to register land as a village green. The meeting's agenda included discussions on outline planning permission for up to 175 dwellings in Wem, a full planning application for 14 residential dwellings in Cockshutt, and a rural exception site for 20 affordable homes in Morda. Attendees also reviewed appeals and appeal decisions, and considered an application to register The Glebelands in Bayston Hill as a village green.

Proposed Residential Development Land Between Aston Road and Church Lane, Wem

The committee was scheduled to discuss an outline planning application for up to 175 dwellings on land between Aston Road and Church Lane in Wem. The application, which included access matters, also proposed green infrastructure, sustainable drainage, and landscape buffering. The report pack indicated that Shropshire Council's Planning Policy team noted that the site is located outside of Wem's development boundary and therefore within the 'countryside' for policy purposes, conflicting with adopted development plan policies. However, due to Shropshire Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the presumption in favour of sustainable development, often referred to as the 'tilted' balance, was applicable. The report pack recommended granting permission, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure affordable housing, education and ICB contributions, and other related matters.

Proposed Residential Development Land To The West Of Crosemere Crescent, Cockshutt

A full planning application for the development of 14 residential dwellings, including the relocation and upgrade of an existing access, was scheduled for discussion. The proposal included 12 open market dwellings and 2 affordable dwellings. The Parish Council had raised objections, citing concerns about highway safety, pedestrian risk, and inadequate drainage infrastructure, stating the proposal conflicted with current and emerging local plan policies. The report pack indicated that the Council's Highways department raised no objection subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, while the Drainage department objected, requesting further details of the drainage system.

Proposed Residential Development NW Of Kingfisher Way, Morda

The committee was set to consider a rural exception site application for 20 houses and bungalows, with associated gardens and roads. This development was proposed as a 100% affordable housing scheme to be managed by a registered social landlord. The report pack noted that the Parish Council had objected on grounds of current drainage issues and concerns about earlier construction on the existing estate being exacerbated by future development. The Highways department raised no objection following revised plans, and the Affordable Housing officer welcomed the provision of bungalows, particularly a wheelchair-accessible unit. The Ecology department also raised no objection, subject to conditions and informatives.

Application to Register The Glebelands, Bayston Hill as a Village Green

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding an application to register The Glebelands in Bayston Hill as a village green. The application was submitted under the Commons Act 2006, with claims that the land had been used for lawful sports and pastimes by local inhabitants for at least 20 years. The report indicated a dispute on the facts between the applicant and objectors, particularly concerning whether the use was as of right. The recommendation was to appoint an independent barrister to act as an Inspector to undertake a non-statutory public inquiry, if necessary, and report back to the committee with recommendations.

Appeals and Appeal Decisions

The committee was scheduled to note appeals and appeal decisions. This agenda item typically provides an update on recent appeal outcomes related to planning applications within the council's jurisdiction. The report pack listed several appeal decisions, including those relating to residential development, variations of conditions, and changes of use. For example, an appeal concerning the renovation of Top House Farm, Rhosygadfa, was dismissed due to its effect on a non-designated heritage asset and the character of the area. Another appeal concerning residential development at Land to the East of Tilstock Road, Tilstock, was allowed.

Date of the Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting of the Northern Planning Committee was scheduled to be Tuesday 18 August 2026.