The public inquiry into Boningale Developments' appeal for 800 homes on green belt land off Patshull Road has closed. Closing submissions were heard on Wednesday 7 October after nine sitting days at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury.
Because the appeal was recovered by the government in September, the inspector, Andrew McGlone, will not decide it himself. He will write a report with a recommendation for the Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, who will make the final decision. No date has been given.
The developer's case
Christopher Katkowski, for Boningale Developments, said the central question was whether the site makes a strong contribution to checking the sprawl of large built-up areas, one of the purposes of the green belt in national planning policy. He argued the relevant green belt is the West Midlands green belt, created to contain Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry, and that Albrighton is a village rather than a large built-up area.
The developer has offered just over £1.8 million over five years towards a bus service, with fares capped at £1 single and £2 return.
Shropshire Council's case
Hugh Richards, for the council, said there are no plans for a secondary school in Albrighton because the village would not produce enough pupils to support one of a sustainable size. Secondary pupils would continue to go to Idsall School in Shifnal. He also said the NHS Integrated Care Board would rather expand Albrighton Medical Practice than open a new facility on the site.
The residents' case
Chatura Saravanan, for Albrighton Development Action Group (ADAG), said there was no firm evidence that a two-kilometre walk is a reasonable distance to expect people to walk, and that Cross Road is unsuitable for cycling. ADAG welcomed the bus offer but argued a £2 fare could not compete with free parking and that the service would not be viable in the long run.
What happens next
The inspector's report goes to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Decisions on recovered appeals usually take several months. We will post the outcome here when it is announced. All inquiry documents remain available on Shropshire Council's inquiry page.
Sources
- Express & Star: Final submissions heard in 800-home Albrighton green belt inquiry (8 October 2026)
- Telford Live: Albrighton homes plan public inquiry concludes (9 October 2026)
- Shropshire Council: Public inquiry, Patshull Road, Albrighton
This story was written by Albrighton.org.uk from the reports above. Spotted an error? Let us know.