Shawbirch Road
The Former Sugar Beet Plant, Allscott, Shropshire
Background
The factory closed in Autumn 2007 after 80 years of operation, when at its peak the plant processed 6,000 tonnes of sugar beet each day.
As most of the existing buildings on the site were very specialist and not suitable for alternative use, the majority of the buildings and structures were demolished and cleared to slab level in 2008/9.
Following demolition, the site was the subject of an extensive marketing campaign which did not attract interest for industrial/business use. As such, Northern Trust was asked to promote the site for an alternative redevelopment.
Any proposals for this site will focus upon the future redevelopment of the area immediately to the North and South of the B4394 Station Road, and can be split into 4 character areas as shown on the plan.
-
Area 1. The land to the South of the River Tern and North of the B4394, excluding the SSSI. This parcel extends to approximately 12 ha (29.65 acres) and includes the football and cricket pitches for the Allscott Sports & Social Club.
-
Area 2. The main factory area located to the South of the B4394, this area extends to approximately 20.6 ha (50.9 acres) including the Sports & Social Club Building and bowling green.
-
Area 3. Agricultural land located to the East of the Bridleway and Area 2, extending to approximately 6.2 ha (15.32 acres).
-
Area 4. Approximately 4 ha (9.88 acres) of land, situated to the east of Area 1, comprising a mixture of grassland for grazing and arable land.
The site as a whole now represents an opportunity to redevelop and bring back into effective use a significant previously developed site within this area of Telford.
Planning.
The site benefits from an overall B2 use which could be resurrected to allow uses such as waste processing/recycling or open storage. Alternatively the site could be developed for general industrial purposes.
Within the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan the site is allocated as being within the Open Countryside however it is not subject to any specific conservation or heritage designation, for confirmation the SSSI is excluded from the promotion area.
Transport & Movement.
The site sits within the transport corridor linking Telford to Shrewsbury. The principal elements to this corridor are the M54 motorway and the A5. The site is connected to these routes and the main urban areas by the B4394 Station Road.
Through initial discussions with the Council and members of the community the development team is aware that highways and traffic is a sensitive issue locally. As part of the plans for the site, Northern Trust is proposing a range of measures to significantly improve the roads surrounding the site and increase public transport options in the area. Many of these measures could require further public consultation by Telford & Wrekin Borough Council before they can be delivered.
Landscape.
Prior to demolition the grain silos located on site were approximately 100 feet tall. A landscape and visual appraisal of the site and its surroundings has been undertaken; to assess the site within its surroundings and identify the key viewpoints.
Existing woodland on the site will be retained and managed to ensure that its screening function is maintained. Large areas of new landscaping and tree planting will also be provided to create an attractive and green environment.
Ecology & Wildlife.
The settling ponds located to the North of the site were designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1986. The principal reason for the designation was that the ponds supported a bird community of county importance, suppporting over 166 number of species of birds along with a number of mammal, vertibrate and invertibrate reptilian species.
Due to the fundamental implications of the closure of the plant the landowner sought early discussions with Natural England and the Shropshire Wildlife Trust to inform the most appropriate way in which to merge these areas in the future.
The Landowner has taken pro-active steps to secure the future of the SSSI by transferring the ownership of the former settling ponds and associated land to a local organisation. The transfer will allow local responsibility and management of the SSSI.
Alongside the consultation process Northern Trust has undertaken a full ecological survey and assess the potential impact of the proposals against the sensitive ecological receptors in the area. From these surveys the development team has prepared an assessment that demonstrates how the site can be developed so that it enhances the setting of the SSSI. There will be areas of amenity grassland and open space included within the development which will be managed to provide enhanced habitat and foraging for the existing native species.
