Plan lodged for ‘compact’ £55m Whitchurch housing scheme

Up to 280 houses could be built in north Shropshire under outline proposals put forward by land promoter Richborough this week.

Plans have been lodged with Shropshire Council for a 31-acre plot to the west of Whitchurch, on open farmland near an Aldi store which was built around five years ago.

All matters are reserved except for access on the proposals, which is planned to be off Wrexham Road, near a junction with the A41 Whitchurch Bypass.

The application site was not included in Shropshire’s now-dumped local plan, but Richborough says it received “very positive” feedback from the local authority during pre-application discussions held in November last year.

New government methodology introduced through the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has increased Shropshire’s housing need from around 1,117 homes per year to 2,030 homes per year. The council currently cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, with its latest published assessment showing 4.61 years of housing land.

“With the tilted balance now in play, and with the presumption in favour of sustainable development engaged, we are able to offer a site which would provide a sizeable chunk of the additional 817 homes needed each year under the new methodology,” said a statement put forward with the application.

“We see the development of this site as a clear opportunity to provide housing in a suitable and sustainable location, and on a scale which allows the council’s design principles to be employed to positive effect.”

Almost 1,000 homes have been built in Whitchurch over the past two decades, with planning permission for a further 650 as of last year, according to figures released by Shropshire Council in March 2025.

Economic figures submitted with the scheme claim the development could add around £700,000 per year to Shropshire Council’s coffers in added council tax contributions if approved, with future residents also expected to add upwards of £3.5m to Whitchurch’s local economy each year.

“We’re delighted to have submitted this planning application, which will help answer Whitchurch’s housing need while creating a high quality and desirable place to live,” said Joe Jones, midlands regional director at Richborough.

“Our comprehensive plans reflect extensive collaboration between our landowner, Richborough’s internal experts and local stakeholders. We now look forward to continuing to work with Shropshire Council and statutory consultees as the application progresses, with the aim of bringing forward a high-quality neighbourhood that will make a positive and lasting contribution to the town.”

Shropshire-based Berrys has provided planning consultancy on the proposals.

Plans and documents relating to the application can be found on Shropshire Council’s planning portal using reference: 26/02611/OUT