The ancient woodland of Lion Coppice, already threatened by a proposal to build 250 houses directly adjacent to its eastern boundary and likely future residential or commercial development along its northern boundary, is now also being threatened with encroachment along its southern edge by a separate developer.
However, following a public consultation meeting with the developers, Benson Brothers, held on 22 March at the Shropshire Food Enterprise Centre, I have come away with the impression that this development and in particular these developers are much more switched on to the ecological issues raised by development adjacent to ancient woodland. They are also much more willing to engage with local residents and address their concerns positively.
Of course, an 87-bed care home is bound to have less of an impact than a 250 house residential development, but there is also a tangible difference in the attitude of the developers towards the local community. Whereas Persimmon are the classic hit-and-run developers who are only seeking to maximise profit on a site before moving on to exploit the next one, Benson Brothers appear to be making the right noises and seem genuinely willing to listen to the ecological concerns raised, adapt their plans accordingly and do their best to make a positive contribution to the area, both in terms of the local community and the local ecology.
I'm not opposed to development in the area, but I am opposed to the wrong kind of development in the wrong location and at the wrong scale. Persimmon are trying to push through with a hostile bid which will have a net negative effect on the area. It doesn't have to be like that. I sincerely hope that Benson Brothers can show them how it should be done.
