Paul Rogers
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Articles by Paul Rogers
Plans for 52 homes in village raise 'grave concerns'
Follow Plans for 52 homes in village raise 'grave concerns' Paul Rogers - Local Democracy Reporting Service Tue, September 15, 2026 at 12:55 PM EDT Plans for 52 homes in village raise 'grave concerns' A village could get dozens of new homes if two planning applications are approved have prompted "grave concerns" from a councillor. Shropshire councillors are due to consider plans for a 42-property development and another for 10 homes at a meeting next Tuesday.
Plans for 52 homes in village raise 'grave concerns'
A village could get dozens of new homes if two planning applications are approved have prompted "grave concerns" from a councillor. Shropshire councillors are due to consider plans for a 42-property development and another for 10 homes at a meeting next Tuesday. Whittington councillor David Walker and local residents have raised concerns about the impact on the character of the village, road safety, flooding, sustainability and access to services.
'Time for new start' after £150k public hall sale
Follow 'Time for new start' after £150k public hall sale Paul Rogers - Local Democracy Reporting Service Wed, September 9, 2026 at 1:02 AM EDT Bishop's Castle Public Hall has been sold for £150,000 [Bishops Castle Town Council] A town's mayor said it is "time for a new beginning", after a public hall in Shropshire was sold for £150,000, a meeting heard.
'Time for new start' after £150k public hall sale
A town's mayor said it is "time for a new beginning", after a public hall in Shropshire was sold for £150,000, a meeting heard. Residents voted to dispose of the building on Station Street in Bishop's Castle at a previous public meeting in July, with the town council ratifying the decision. The next step is to form a committee to build a new public hall.
Community bus to run along axed council route
Follow Community bus to run along axed council route Paul Rogers - Local Democracy Reporting Service Wed, August 26, 2026 at 1:39 AM EDT Community bus to run along axed council route A community transport scheme is set to take over a bus route that Shropshire Council withdrew from. Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride will operate along the previous 745 route in the south-west of the county from 2 September.
#ldrs #ldreporter #shropshire | Paul Rogers
Many people have asked me what the Local Democracy Reporting Service is and what do I cover. So, here's a quick summary. Like 164 other LDRS across the country, my role is funded by the BBC. However, I am employed by Iconic Media Group, who publish the Shropshire Star. My main remit is to cover the activities of Shropshire Council; however I also keep an eye on the other town councils in Shropshire (and to a degree, the parishes, although there are 153 of them!).
Objections to plans for more than 300 new homes
Follow Objections to plans for more than 300 new homes Paul Rogers - Local Democracy Reporter; Shehnaz Khan - West Midlands Tue, July 28, 2026 at 1:06 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Oswestry councillor Wendy Owen wants a planning committee to consider the plans [Oswestry Town Council] Nearly 200 people have objected to plans to build up to 335 homes on the outskirts of Oswestry.
Government raises concerns over council finances
Follow Government raises concerns over council finances Paul Rogers - Local Democracy Reporting Service; Rob Trigg - Shropshire political reporter Thu, July 16, 2026 at 1:36 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The council was given exceptional financial support by the government in February [BBC] The government has written to Shropshire Council outlining concerns about the authority's financial situation.
Former council HQ to be put up for sale
Shropshire Council's former headquarters is to be put up for sale. Shirehall, a six-storey 1960s office block in Shrewsbury, currently costs the authority about £400,000 a year. Staff vacated the site at the end of 2024 moving to the Guildhall in the town centre. "Continuing to pay money for nothing is no longer an option," said Lib Dem council leader Heather Kidd adding the council needed to get a grip on its finances.
Plans to build more than 300 homes in town
A housing developer has submitted a planning application to build up to 335 homes on the outskirts of Oswestry. Wain Estates said the housing development would include a number of affordable homes, along with new road junction to access the site from the B4540. The plans include an area of parkland around a Grade II listed property called The Hayes, which stands next to the site. People have until 28 July to give their thoughts on the proposals.
Plans to turn historic house into visitor centre
Follow Plans to turn historic house into visitor centre Paul Rogers - Local Democracy Reporting Service Mon, June 29, 2026 at 3:30 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The house is currently a residential let and used to be the accommodation of an on-site warden, who looked after the wider site [National Trust] The National Trust has submitted plans to turn a historic Shropshire building into an activity space.
Under-fire bus stop will not be moved, says report
Follow Under-fire bus stop will not be moved, says report The floating bus stop outside Shrewsbury's railway station has been the subject of safety concerns [BBC] A town's floating bus stop, which came under fire over safety concerns, will not be relocated, a report has said. The stop was installed on Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, in October as part of Shropshire Council's £3.8m gyratory project to create a new road system around the railway station.
Eighteen objections to drive-through plans off A41
The popular Raven Cafe, off the A41 in Prees Heath, would remain next to the new drive-throughs under the plans [Google] Plans for a drive-through development in Shropshire have been met by 18 objections. The proposals would see drive-through Starbucks and KFC, and a "drive-to" Greggs, next to the Raven Cafe off the A41 in Prees Heath near Whitchurch. Among objections, one said there was "no clear evidence of unmet local demand" for three new drive-throughs.
Plans for 93 homes in village set for approval
A housing development which had attracted nearly 100 objections is due to go before a planning committee next week. A report drawn up by Shropshire Council recommends planning approval is given for the 93 homes opposite a primary school in the village of Ford, near Shrewsbury. Access from the busy A458, a lack of local facilities and the effect of the extra homes on the character of the village were included in the concerns raised by objectors.
Council threatens prosecution over illegal flags
England flags were hung from lampposts around the country, last summer [PA Media] A council says it is looking to prosecute anyone who is deemed responsible for flying flags on lampposts without permission. In comes after Shropshire Council announced last month its staff would be removing the flags, also attached to street furniture, because of safety concerns. The work has since led to a rise in residents, staff and councillors being threatened and intimidated, it added.
Council threatens prosecution over illegal flags
A council says it is looking to prosecute anyone who is deemed responsible for flying flags on lampposts without permission. In comes after Shropshire Council announced last month its staff would be removing the flags, also attached to street furniture, because of safety concerns. The work has since led to a rise in residents, staff and councillors being threatened and intimidated, it added.
Council 'taken off guard' by tip ban
A Shropshire council only found out some of its residents were banned from using two tips in the county through the press, its deputy leader has said. Telford and Wrekin Council is stopping people living outside the borough from using its recycling centres, to reduce the financial burden on its residents. Anyone visiting the Hortonwood or Halesfield recycling centres are now being asked to show proof they live in the borough.
New mayor hopes to help reinstate flower show
Shrewsbury's new mayor has said he wants to help reinstate the town's popular flower show after it was cancelled for two years in a row. Organised by the Shropshire Horticultural Society (SHS), it usually takes place over two days in August in The Quarry Park. It was cancelled in 2025 due to "changes to National Insurance (NI) and the minimum wage", alongside the cost-of-living crisis, while in January this year organisers said it was cancelled again because of "rocketing costs" involved.
Plans submitted for new hospital car park
There will be a new pedestrian footpath to ensure safe movement within the car park [BBC] Plans for a new car park at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital have been submitted. The proposal would see 56 parking bays next to the Copthorne Building, as well as two designated for electric vehicle charging, and three that are accessible.
CCTV a priority for residents to improve park
Residents have unanimously called for better lighting and CCTV amid discussions on how one of Shropshire's biggest parks can be improved. It comes after the public were invited to share their thoughts about Shrewsbury's Quarry park at the town council's annual meeting. Architecture practices Camlins and BCHN have joined forces with consultancy firm Berrys to create a management plan for the town centre park.
Councils may get up to £204m to fix potholes
Up to £204m may be given to Shropshire's local authorities to help fill potholes over the next four years. Shropshire Council will receive up to £168m across the period if it can meet government targets and demonstrate it complies with best practice in highways maintenance. Neighouring Telford and Wrekin Council will receive up to £36m if it meets the same targets. The money can also be spent on pothole prevention and would be handed out in stages over the coming years.
Local plan for housing by 2029, council says
Shropshire Council is seeking greater control over housebuilding in the county [Getty Images] Restrictions on where homes can be built in Shropshire could be in place by March 2029. Shropshire Council is currently without a local plan, a document councils draw up to set out a framework for development in their area, after the authority was forced to withdraw proposals in July.
Plan to develop pump track in town park
The current skate park in Jubilee Park, Whitchurch [LDRS] A town could get a new pump track after a council unanimously agreed to look into funding it. Whitchurch has a small skate park at Jubilee Park, but people on bikes, skateboards and scooters have been venturing further afield in search of something better.
Council could consider closing libraries
Shropshire Council's financial situation poses "a significant challenge to maintain library services" [Getty Images] Consulting on the possible closure of several libraries needs to be considered, Shropshire Council's culture and communities manager has said. In a letter to Ludlow Town Council, Pete Banford said that all possible efficiency savings had been implemented, and difficult decisions now needed to be looked at.
Plans submitted for second part of 600-home estate
Pickstock Homes has outline permission for up to 600 homes on land near Shrewsbury Road in Oswestry [PA Media] A planning application has been submitted for the second phase of a large housing development in Shropshire. Pickstock Homes was granted outline planning permission for up to 600 homes on land north of Shrewsbury Road in Oswestry in April 2020. The first phase consisted of 284 properties and was approved in November 2022.
Plans put forward to expand village
A developer has applied to build 155 homes in a Shropshire village but faces opposition from people living nearby. Boningale Homes has asked for outline permission to build on land off Perryfield Road in Prescott, near Baschurch. The proposal includes land set aside for a new GP surgery and a park.
Housing development plans submitted for town
The application is for 62 homes on land near Whitchurch Rugby Club [Shropshire County Council] An application has been submitted to build up to 62 homes on the outskirts of Whitchurch in Shropshire. The outline application is for land north of Edgeley Road, close to Whitchurch Rugby Club. In the design and access statement, Michael Lloyd, of Berrys, said the proposed layout would consist of a mixture of two to five bedroom houses.
Talks sought over possible school route canal path
A charity says it wants to talk to the council about what can be done to improve a canal towpath that children may have to walk on to get to school. For nearly 40 years, pupils have had free transport from Weston Rhyn to St Martins School in Oswestry, as the route had been deemed "unsafe" for children. But Shropshire Council has told parents any new pupils would no longer receive transport.
Brothers bring water sports to beauty spot
Tim and Chris Harris will take over Mere Cottage by The Mere in Ellesmere at Easter [LDRS] Two brothers are set to bring water activities to a popular beauty spot. The Paddle Bros, run by Tim and Chris Harris, will take over Mere Cottage by The Mere in Ellesmere at Easter, relocating from their current site at the Shropshire Union Canal. Visitors will be able to hire stand-up paddle boards, as well as take part in canoeing and kayaking. Lessons will also be available, with bookings made online.
Council makes case for £176,000 top boss salary
Shropshire Council says an annual salary of £176,803 to attract a new boss reflects the market rate for such a senior role. The authority has begun formally advertising for the permanent position, which has been vacant for the past six months. The pay does not reflect additional sums for returning officer duties. The council said it had found the wage to be broadly comparable with what other, similar authorities were paying.
Hundreds of jobs pledged from business park plan
Plans to build a new commercial park to create up to 420 jobs have been approved. The development, off Shawbury Road on the outskirts of Wem, Shropshire, would create commercial, industrial and warehousing plots alongside a new hauliers yard under the proposals. A statement with the application, submitted to Shropshire Council by Timothy and Rosemary Rutter, said it would provide a "responsive and flexible" supply of employment land.
Firm 'paid £2.6m' for controversial road changes
The street outside Shrewsbury station was previously two lanes [BBC] The firm behind a controversial road scheme in Shropshire was paid £2.6m to carry out the work, a council revealed. The gyratory at Castle Foregate, around Shrewsbury's railway station, was overhauled in a multi-million pound project funded by the government. However they have led to congestion problems and a petition to change it back was signed by nearly 7,000 people.
Plans lodged for up to 430 homes and local centre
Plans have been lodged for a development of up to 430 homes in Shrewsbury. Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes submitted a joint outline planning application for the scheme on land at Weir Hill, off Preston Street to the east of the town.
Opinion: Forests don’t need fixing - we do Original
Our vast public forests are among our greatest national assets. But politicians and commodity interests continually insist that these woodlands are somehow broken. The Fix Our Forests Act, sponsored by Sens. Curtis (R-UT) and Hickenlooper (D-CO), is a bipartisan swing at “restoring” wildlands by invoking claims of overstocking, crowding and impending megafires. The cure, they suggest, is once again calling on increased forest “treatments” to save the day.
Another Oswestry councillor leaves Lib Dems
Fiona Wilson will now sit as an independent Fiona Wilson is now an independent councillor on Oswestry Town Council Author: Paul Rogers, LDRSPublished 32 minutes ago Another Oswestry councillor has left the Liberal Democrats. Fiona Wilson has said the decision is due to personal reasons, but she will remain on the council as an independent. Councillor Wilson represents Victoria ward and, along with Councillor Lucy McKinney, won the seat at last May’s local elections.
Shropshire mayor steps down following drink-driving charge
Ryan Davies was the Mayor of Clun with Chapel Lawn He was 100 milligrams over the legal alcohol limit Author: Paul Rogers, LDRSPublished 16 minutes ago A Shropshire mayor whose car hit a cyclist while he was more than double the alcohol limit has stood down. Ryan Davies, who was the Mayor of Clun with Chapel Lawn, was convicted in November after admitting to a drink driving offence.
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