Inquiry begins on Shrewsbury shop front expansion proposals
Organisations in Shrewsbury have pledged to show a united front in their campaign to fight proposals for a stopping up order on part of the town’s historic Square.
A two-day public inquiry, which will examine the case for granting the order to part of the pavement outside Princess House, was due to start today.
The order would allow the extension of the ground floor of Princess House along the entire length of the side facing the Square, filling in the current overhung space.
Shrewsbury Town Council, Shop in the Loop, the Civic Society and Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association, as well as Shropshire Councillor Andrew Bannerman, are all firmly against the proposals which they say will bring an end to café culture in the Square and impact on future events.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “We are working together with our partners to protect the future of the Square which is the focal point of the town – a place where the community comes together for many well attended events which attract significant audience participation, in turn increasing footfall and contributing towards the economic vitality and viability of Shrewsbury.
“Granting the stopping up order would be a nail in the coffin for some of our well-loved annual activities which utilise every square inch of the Square and there would be a significant impact on the existing café culture.”
“This is about maintaining Shrewsbury as a place we all love to live and work in, a place that has a magical and experiential offer for the visitor and a place that continues to evolve for not only us but for future generations.”
All parties will give evidence at the inquiry, which starts today at Shirehall.
The inquiry is open to the public and is expected to last two days.
