Helen lodges objection to Oswestry Hill Fort development

Helen Morgan has written in to object to new plans to develop at the foot of Old Oswestry Hill Fort. In a letter, the MP cited the opposition of local residents in Oswestry, the need to protect the historic monument, and the 12,000 signature petition on the topic.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, wrote:

Dear Sir,

Re: planning reference 23/00225/FU

I object to the planning application for the development of 83 houses and associated infrastructure, including substation and pumping station, close to Old Oswestry Hill Fort.

Most importantly, there is significant opposition to the proposal from key stakeholders. Oswestry Town Council is opposed to the development. Its Councillors are the elected representatives of the people of Oswestry, and they have a support from members of the public, both locally and nationally, to protect a beautiful historic monument of national significance.

This has been demonstrated by over 12,000 petition signatures since the development was first proposed in 2012. It’s clear that there is a greater public benefit from conserving this important cultural asset, while land for additional housing has already been identified elsewhere in the vicinity of the town.

There is a risk of damage to tourism in Shropshire as a result of the development of this site. It is an important part of the offer to visitors to Oswestry and the surrounding areas. Its recreational amenity, environmental beauty, and sense of escape enhanced by 360 degrees views and rural context would be degraded by the addition of a significant modern housing development.

I have attached other more technical considerations as an Appendix. However, I hope you will consider that an asset of national heritage and archaeological importance will be irretrievably damaged by further urban encroachment into its setting.

Yours faithfully,

Helen Morgan