Harworth refused 1,000-home Ironbridge scheme

Strategic land specialist Harworth has been refused planning consent for 1,000 homes, a retirement village, primary school and over 200,000 sq ft of commercial space at the Ironbridge Power Station in Shropshire. Shropshire Council rejected the outline planning application, citing lack of affordable housing and infrastructure, branding the development “unsustainable”. Harworth had proposed just 50 affordable homes, reflecting 5% of the total homes planned – significantly below Shropshire Council’s requirement of 20% in its local policy. In the application, Harworth said this was “consistent with the overall viability” of the scheme. The planning officer had recommended the scheme for approval, but the committee opted against this. In a statement, the council said: “The application does not provide adequate funding to mitigate concerns about the effect of the proposed development on highway infrastructure… and also healthcare provision. “Additionally the 5% level of affordable housing falls significantly below the requirements [of Shropshire’s policy] and is considered inadequate for a significant development of this nature. “Accordingly the development is considered to be unsustainable and in conflict with development plan policy.” David Cockroft, regional director for the Midlands at Harworth, said: “We are disappointed and surprised that Shropshire Council’s southern planning committee has rejected our proposals for Ironbridge Power Station. “Our masterplan would transform this former industrial site into a sustainable new community, providing additional homes, jobs and infrastructure for local people. We have worked with stakeholders every step of the way to ensure this is a long-term development that the community can be proud of, and we have demonstrated our commitment through advancing works to remove the old power station buildings and infrastructure at the site. “In rejecting our plans, the committee has chosen to disregard the recommendation of the council’s planning officers and various reports supported by their own independent experts. This decision also lies in stark contrast to the approval given to the same Ironbridge plans by neighbouring Telford & Wrekin Council in May.” The setback comes three years after Harworth bought the 350-acre site for the mixed-use development. Harworth bought the site from Uniper UK, following the closure of the coal-fired power station in 2015. The four cooling towers (pictured) were demolished at the end of 2019, with the chimney anticipated to follow in the coming months. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews Image © Harworth