A SCHEME to build 26 homes at Church Stretton looks likely to go ahead, despite a host of objections.

Church Stretton Town Council, the Strettons Civic Society, Church Stretton Consolidated Charities, the Environment Agency and more than 30 residents have objected, but planners are recommending approval, subject to conditions.

Dordale Developments plans 26 social/affordable houses and flats in a range of sizes on a green-field site with access from the end of Swains Meadow cul-de-sac.

The homes would be administered by South Shropshire and Bromford Housing Association. A new road, play area, hard and soft landscaping, garden and parking would be provided.

Most objections concerned the safety of 70 children living nearby if access were through Swains Meadow, with objectors arguing that access should be directly from the A49.

Other objections included difficulty of access for emergency vehicles; building on the flood plain; siting a play area close to the railway line; site access during construction; and fears of flooding if houses were built on and around the flood bowl at the bottom of the present estate. A district planning officer's report said the Highways Agency ruled out access directly from the A49.

The County Surveyor did not object to access from Swains Meadow. The main problem was drainage, the report said.

The Environment Agency objected and urged a flood-risk assessment. The report recommends approving the scheme subject to conditions including settling the flood-risk question to the Environment Agency's satisfaction.

There should be an agreement on the play area and equipment, including transfer of the land to the council at no cost and payment of future maintenance costs.

Fencing at least 2ms high along the railway is recommended, along with retention of all trees and hedges.

The plan was due to be discussed by South Shropshire District Council planning committee as the Advertiser went to press.