Key report on 600-home Bratton development due soon

Council officials are aiming to issue a key report into the possible development of 600 homes on farmland backing onto Dulwich Grange, Bratton Road and Jockey Meadow just north of Bratton in the next few weeks, documents show.

The report into what the housebuilder will need to assess in any future planning application for land to the north and west of Bratton is currently out for statutory consultation with experts.

An approach to planners called a ‘scoping opinion’ was made in January this year.

Telford & Wrekin Council officials are required by law to tell developers what they need to assess to mitigate problems such as traffic.

The land is included in the draft local plan which is being examined at hearings this week and forms part of proposals to build some 8,000 homes in ‘sustainable urban extensions’ to the town.

Documents show that time limits for publishing the report were extended after an error where documents were not sent out from the council to official consultees.

Planning agents for David Wilson Homes say an extension period with a ‘long stop’ of March 20 has been agreed.

But they are looking forward to seeing the conclusions as soon as possible after March 6.

“I have spoken to David Wilson Homes, and we accept the extension period,” the planning agent wrote.

“As you have alluded to, we would appreciate all efforts in drafting the scoping response in parallel with the consultee responses in the hope of issuing the report shortly after March 6.”

A council planner had told the agent that the new period would give two weeks post-consultation to prepare the opinion.

“But I shall endeavour to get it issued ASAP post-consultation,” an email adds.

“Therefore if you can agree March 20 as a long-stop date it would be appreciated, but I shall endeavour to get it issued ASAP thereafter the March 6 – once I have reviewed consultee responses received by that date.”