A PROPOSED three-storey retirement complex in Wem would 'dominate the skyline' according to town councillors.

The proposed plans, submitted to Shropshire Council earlier this year, would see construction of a mixed development in New Street, consisting of 39 retirement apartments, one manager's apartment and communal facilities; formation of parking areas as well as new accesses and landscaping scheme and the demolition of existing buildings.

Town councillors have previously raised objections to the plans on a number of issues, including the size of the development and the amount of parking available.

Clerk of the council, Penny O'Hagan, outlined the councillor's issues.

"Wem Town Council welcomes the redevelopment of this site and the suggested design, however the council does have specific objections to the proposed plans," she said.

"The proposed height of the development is too large for the site and will have too dominant an impact on the street scene of New Street.

"There are an inadequate number of car parking spaces proposed for the development.

"There is insufficient pedestrian access around the proposed development.

"The main access road to the proposed development off New Street is an important pedestrian link to town via the Drawwell Walk footpath and Wem Business Park.

"A condition of any planning permission should be that the developers must the create a pavement from New Street to Drawwell Walk to provide a safe pedestrian access from New Street to Drawwell Walk and Wem Business Park.

"The council would wish to see that the surface of the main highway access from New Street to this site is upgraded as part of the development."

At Wem Town Council's October meeting, held virtually on Thursday, October 29, councillors once again upheld their objections.

Objections have also been raised by Wem Civic Society for the size and parking issues, but also on the historic importance of the site.

Shelagh Richardson, chairman of Wem Civic Society said: "This site has considerable historical importance including the connection to the English Civil War.

"Additionally the early history of Minton House has many gaps.

"It should form part of any planning permission that there should be a full building survey before demolition.

"There should also be archaeological supervision during demolition – bricks and timber should give us the information needed to expand the story of Minton House, and supervision of ground work and any necessary archaeological work to identify boundaries, defensive ditches and other features of interest."