New starter homes could be built in the heart of Wem in place of industrial buildings, if council bosses give plans the green light.
Proposals have been submitted to Shropshire Council to demolish Minton House and associated buildings in New Street and replace them with 14 new town houses.
The scheme, which is for 12 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes, will include associated amenity areas and access and parking facilities.
But the plans could face extra hurdles because the site is in a conservation area, where planning rules are tighter to preserve the character and appearance of the district.
In a design and access statement on behalf of the applicant it says: “The scheme will significantly improve the visual amenity of the locality. The buildings to be demolished are of little or no architectural value and the proposed scheme of redevelopment would enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
The application has been met with support from Wem Town Council while Shropshire Council bosses aim to decide on the bid in March.
Earlier this month the Chronicle reported that Wem could see an increase in young families moving into the town after a housing development was shortlisted for a Government grant to promote home-building.
The project at Saxon Fields, Aston Street, being built by Morris Homes Ltd, includes 84 new homes with a mix of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom mews houses and four-bedroom family homes.
Douglas Cooley, town mayor, said he was keen to see young people stay in the area and hoped the development would provide homes for young families looking to get on the property ladder.
“If the development and the Government grant helps first time buyers and youngsters in the town then I’m all for it,” he said. We want to encourage young people to stay in the town but we also want some industry in the town to support them.”
The project has been put through to the second round of funding in the Government’s Kickstart scheme as Housing Minister John Healey announced a further £278m for an extra 5,000 affordable homes across the country.
By James Pugh