More than 20 homes planned on open green space in Shaw

More than 20 new homes could soon be built in an idyllic location on the edge of Shaw.

Plans to build 21 new family homes between Lilac View Close and Knowl Road have been recommended for approval by town planners.

If given the go-ahead by a planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday), the homes would be split across two portions of land, currently used to keep horses.

The fields are next to the greenbelt, an equestrian centre, and partially bounded by a stream to the north. 

A larger portion of land would include 17 dwellings, with 12 semi-detached and five detached properties.

A smaller portion of land off Knowl Lane would feature four semi-detached properties. 

In total there would be four two-beds, ten three beds, and seven four bedroom homes, alongside ‘extensive landscaping works’ and a new public open space. 

Developers BLJD Land say they have ‘taken inspiration from the surrounding area and created a modern interpretation’. 

Four of the homes would be available for social rent.  

Not all residents are pleased with the plans.

The proposal has received 52 objections from people in the area, often raising concerns about the loss of natural greenery and traffic issues on Knowl Lane.

“It would be a huge mistake to grant this application,” one objector wrote.

“Not only will [it ruin] a lovely habitat for animals be taken but also the access is shocking.

"All the machinery will have to come down Mount View Road which is already narrow due to cars parked either side.

"This will undoubtedly cause damage.”

The narrow lane, which has blind bends and is partially a dirt track, serves six different farms, according to locals.

There are worries the mixture of construction, farm, and additional traffic from the new homes could cause a ‘congestion nightmare’ for years to come. 

One local grandma worried: “My granddaughter and I recently walked down Knowl Road in the evening and a car passed us and I panicked as it was so narrow and unlit that we practically feared being injured.

“How on earth heavy machinery and trucks are supposed to use a road that is barely wide enough for a car to go down is beyond me and totally absurd.

"Has any consideration been made for the residents that live on this road?”

A similar application for 21 homes was turned down in 2023, after officers determined the vehicle entry and exit points for the new houses posed too great a danger on the highways and the impact on open space. 

But after working with highways engineers and changing the design, town planners say the scheme is now ‘an acceptable proposal’ and have recommended it for approval.

Councillors will meet tomorrow evening to discuss and hear representations from neighbours.

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