Supporting Parish Councils and Residents
Over the past month, I have continued to spend much of my time supporting parish councils and residents on planning, enforcement, highways and wider local infrastructure issues. As portfolio holder for planning, I will also be attending a number of annual parish meetings across the county.
Waste, Highways and Local Infrastructure
I recently chased up litter bin emptying after the contractor changeover wasn’t handled as well as it should have been. See Oswestry Advertiser report. However, the changes should result in an improved service going forward, with stronger contractual control for the council.
Highways and footpath concerns remain significant. I have been working with council officers to progress delayed projects, including the Burma Road footpath and outstanding road adoptions, by seeking movement on funding and legal agreements.
Alongside this, I have followed up on a range of resident‑reported issues, including:
- Drainage problems
- Potholes
- Fly tipping
- Road works
- Street lighting
- Tree issues
- Public Transport
I have also taken forward concerns relating to signage and the addition of a formal bus stop on Rosehill Drive. I have discussed both the proposed bus stop and the Burma Road footpath with the Place Plan team, with a view to inclusion. It would be helpful if the Parish Clerk could also complete the relevant online forms.
Andy Moreton and the Place Plan team met with other council officers this week to follow up on the Burma Road footpath, following a site meeting last week with the Parish Chair, Clerk and Andy. I have also discussed creating a proper bus stop by Rosehill Drive, Whittington
Place Shaping and Strategic Leadership
This month, a new Service Director for Place Shaping was appointed, providing much‑needed strategic leadership across planning, property and economic development. This appointment also ensures the service now has representation at the Leadership Board level, which has been lacking for too long. Other strategic gaps are also being addressed as resources allow, with a focus on income‑generating areas.
Local Plan and Five-Year Land Supply
The five‑year land supply position has improved but remains challenging. The Government has now defined a 30‑month timetable for the new Local Plan. This is due to commence shortly, with a four‑month notice period expected to be issued at the May Cabinet meeting.
A scoping consultation will take place between May and July. This will set out the broad objectives of the Local Plan and invite initial comments.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
I have attended meetings relating to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding and other council decisions affecting local services. A scrutiny report into the use of Shropshire Council’s proportion of CIL funding is due to be considered at the April Cabinet meeting (15 April). Its findings align with the changes I have been pressing officers to implement and should lead to a more transparent and effective distribution of funds.
A review of the CIL charging schedule will also take place, using the same evidence base as the Local Plan. This will be the first major update since CIL was introduced in 2012 and should better reflect the varied needs of communities across Shropshire.
The annual allocation of CIL neighbourhood funding to town and parish councils has now been completed for qualifying developments. I have assisted local councils where allocations raised understandable questions by helping clarify the figures.
Wider Council Work and Cabinet Updates
Alongside local casework, I have continued my wider role at Shropshire Council. This has included:
- Attending planning service briefings
- Meeting with officers and Cabinet colleagues
- Contributing to work on stronger, sustainable drainage policies
- Engaging with developers to ensure infrastructure impacts are properly addressed
At the Cabinet meeting on 15 April, a new Design Code for Shrewsbury town centre was adopted. Similar county‑wide design standards will be considered at the May Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet also reviewed the latest financial position, which showed a second consecutive month of modest improvement. While there remains a long way to go, this marks a welcome change following several months of worsening overspend forecasts, with the growth in overspend now arrested.
Advice Surgery Update
Initial advice surgeries have gone well. The first Whittington surgery was particularly busy in the morning, helped in part by the coffee morning taking place next door.
