Baschurch councillor Robert Jones has expressed deep concern about road safety following the submission of a new planning application for an area where unresolved safety issues have already been identified.

The new application, submitted to Shropshire Council earlier this month, proposes the construction of three houses off Ruyton Road in Baschurch. The site is adjacent to another contentious development, Parry Close, which was completed last year.

Cllr Jones shared his frustrations about the ongoing safety risks: “From the moment the previous development was proposed nearly four years ago, residents and community representatives have highlighted the dangerous conditions in this area.

“There was, and remains, an urgent need for a reduction in the speed limit, as well as improvements to pedestrian pavements and crossings, to ensure that residents can access local amenities safely. Shropshire Council planners acknowledged these issues and approved the plans on the condition that these basic safety measures would be implemented before any houses were occupied. However, not all of these conditions have been met in a timely manner.

“Now, with a new proposal for further houses in the same area, the safety risks are set to escalate, yet Shropshire Council still hasn’t fulfilled its own requirement to reduce the speed limit.

“The Council has let local residents down repeatedly. In this instance, they are potentially putting lives at risk. Why are we still waiting for a simple Traffic Regulation Order that should have been enforced four years ago?”

The planning application is expected to be discussed at the next meeting of the parish council.