NEWS
NEWS
Condover Neighbourhood Plan Updates
A Neighbourhood Plan for Condover Parish
Community Consultation
It’s Your Plan, Have Your Say
The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a planning policy framework to guide future development across the Parish. It provides a strong statutory basis to help safeguard the local environment and shape the long‑term character of Condover Parish. The Plan supports the delivery of the new homes the community has said it needs, ensuring they are built sustainably and, wherever possible, on brownfield land.
Once approved at referendum, the Plan will form part of the statutory development plan for Shropshire, meaning all future planning applications must align with its policies.
Following the initial consultation, the Neighbourhood Plan team has prepared the document incorporating more than 130 public comments. This next stage is your opportunity to review the policies and consider what they mean for you and for the Parish as a whole.
Over the six‑weeks between, 16th March and 20th April you are invited to attend one of the drop‑in sessions at:
Condover Village HallWednesday 18th March at 6.30pm Saturday 21st March at 12noon | Dorrington Village HallWednesday 25th March at 6.30pm Sunday 29th March at 12noon |
Ryton Village HallThursday 2nd April at 6.30pm Saturday 11th April at 12noon | Stapleton Village HallThursday 16th April at 6.30pm Saturday 18th April at 12noon |
Please complete a response form which will be available at the drop-in sessions or from the Parish Council Office, or on-line.
We hope that you will get involved and have your say.
For further information about the Neighbourhood Plan click on the link below
Parish Footpaths
When we started, back in 2010, we had a small band of volunteers to try and rejuvenate the footpaths in Condover Parish.
Our first decision was to make a circular walk more accessible and advertise the fact. We decided the walk from Ryton to Dorrington was a good one because one could go out on one path and return by another. New kissing gates were installed, new way markers and path clearing was done to bring our first project to come to fruition.
To date we have installed more than 25 kissing gates, at least five new stiles, installed and opened up two paths that were completely clocked and made efforts to keep paths open during the summer months.
We have had negotiations with landowners, created permissive paths with their agreement so that walkers do not have to go through the middle of their farmyards. Two paths that exited on the A49 have been made safer by installing rails to stop walkers going straight into the road. Many hours have been spent by the volunteers on footpath work, in addition we persuaded Network Rail to upgrade the rail crossings in three places. During this time we have produced some 13 walks.
We now face the fact that most of the volunteers have fallen by the wayside for numerous reasons and the co-ordinator is in need of support. We are covered by Shropshire Council with a ‘right to work’ and liability insurance.
If you feel this could be you and would like to ensure the continuation of this work please email – russellcollard101@hotmail.com
Completion of External Audit of Accounts for 2024-25
The external audit of the Parish Council’s accounts for 2024-25 has now been concluded by PKF Littlejohn Limited.
In compliance with s25 Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, these documents can be inspected between 1st December 2025 and 18th December 2025 on reasonable notice and application to:
Jason Leighton-Jones (Parish Clerk), Condover Parish Council, Dorrington Village Hall,
The Maitlands, Dorrington Shropshire SY5 7LD
For copies of the Public Notice for Inspection and AGAR forms please go to Council Matters and then follow the link for Accounts.
Communication Mast
Condover PC Neighbourhood Plan
Himalayan Balsam
The Plant
It is instantly recognisable with a profusion of pink flowers. Each stem has up to 800 seeds that can expel up to 3 metres.
It grows in dense strands up to three metres tall. It is shallow rooted, and favours water ways, including brooks, tributaries and ditches and is rapidly becoming the UK’s most invasive weed species
The Problem
The Balsam has a lack of natural enemies which allows it to successfully outcompete native plants for space, light nutrients and pollinators. These pictures were taken along an inaccessible part of the Cound, well away from the road, where it is 20 metres thick in places. The pictures were taken in late August when it had died back, it is far worse in late spring/early summer. Pollinators are attracted to its sweet blossom in preference to other flowers. It reduces species diversity because native species cannot compete for pollinators and die out.
The plant also alters soils conditions. Its shallow roots mean that once it dies back there is less soil binding increasing the risk of erosion and flooding
The Traditional Solution
Local Wildlife Trusts organise volunteer groups to go,” Balsam Bashing” once or twice a week during early summer. We plan to organise volunteer groups in the early spring, starting in 2026. Unfortunately, this is not a quick fix, because the plant is very resilient. Wildlife groups report that it takes several years to eradicate.
But…what about the bees?
We plan to plant a diverse range of wild trees, shrubs and plants that can help stop river bank erosion and flooding, and provide a long term, diverse food supply for bees
The future
DEFRA has approved the use of rust fungus imported from its natural habitat. This is currently being used across the country, the nearest to us is Oswestry. It is very expensive and not suitable for all sites. DEFRA are currently working on a range of resolutions and hopefully, there will be global biological solution available in the near future.
In the meantime….
The parish council is working with neighbouring parish councils upstream from our parish. We are currently putting a bid together to acquire funding to pay for labour to give us a head start with strimming in deep and inaccessible patches of balsam, as well as purchasing bee friendly trees, shrubs and plants to replace bare patches. We also plan to organise groups of volunteers to help with, Balsam Bashing early in 2026. We will let you know when and how this will be organised in the new year. Hopefully, we can tempt you to join us for an hour or two in the Spring!
Pictures of Himalayan Balsam in dense patches along the Cound brook in Stapleton
Community Grants 2025-26
Community Grants for 2025-26 have been awarded as follows:
Condover Pre-School – to buy additional equipment for the pre-school
Condover Social Club – to help with works required to a flat roof.
Dorrington Bowling Club – to improve security
Dorrington Community Garden – for the provision of a mud kitchen
A ‘Special Grant’ has been awarded to Condover Woodland Park who would like to purchase a bench in honour of Peter Gore who did so much for Condover PC and the Woodland Park.
Peter Gore
Condover Parish Council was sadden to hear of the recent death of Peter Gore who recently stepped down as being a Parish Councillor representing Condover.
Peter served two terms as a Parish Councillor working on behalf of the residents of Condover. He was a major contributor to the workings of the Council and his inputs will be sorely missed.
As a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Peter gained experience working in various factories not only in England, but also in Germany and Singapore. He moved to Shropshire 30 years ago and retired as a Manufacturing Director from Synex in 2008. His experience was extremely valuable to the Parish Council and also made him a natural choice to Chair the Finance and Personnel Committee.
As a Parish Council representative on Condover Village Hall Committee, Peter had a good overview of events going on in the village. Another of Peter’s passions was Condover Woodland Park, together with other Council members and villagers he would turn his hand to maintenance of play equipment or would mend a broken fence, as required. To Peter this area was very special and he was constantly seeking funds to keep up the general appearance of the area to enable both youngsters and adults to enjoy the facilities and general ambience the woodland provided.
He was responsible for gaining funding from Severn Trent and more recently from Shropshire’s Green Space initiative, to help maintain and develop the area. As the Chair of the Woodland Park he achieved much and sets a high standard for those who follow.
Peter also initiated the construction of a pump track (BMX), in response to the idea from local youngsters, and within 18 months had overseen the project for the new facility on Condover Sports Ground.
Whilst we are remembering Councillor Peter we also recall all the contributions he made to many other groups and organisations over all the years, he certainly left his mark on the Village.
Peter’s fellow Councillors and friends morn his passing and we will miss his lively input into our discussions and his passion for supporting the residents of Condover Village and the wider Parish.
Dennis Oakley
Condover Parish Council was sadden to hear of the recent death of Dennis Oakley who was a past member of the Parish Council.
As a lifelong member of Dorrington, Denis had a far reaching influence on all our lives. His humour and cheerful demeanour bely a consummate farmer, landowner and business owner. Through his farm and kennels, his land and his many Dorrington connections, the church , village hall, bowling club and all village events and projects – he and Barbara were a constant presence and support. Always happy to help anyone out, usually with an amusing quip, his advice and encouragement will be sorely missed by family and many friends alike.
The Fox, Ryton - Latest Update from the Save the Fox Committee
We are delighted to announce that at the end of Share Issue at the end of April, we successfully raised £173,000 from 200 generous investors, achieving 86.5% of our target to renovate The Fox Inn and hopefully reopen it by November this year. Our extensive renovation plans are underway with a dedicated Project Manager and a hard-working Renovation Sub Team. An Interior Design team is also being formed to ensure the revitalization of The Fox Inn is both aesthetic and functional.
We are actively involving experienced community members to provide guidance on essential aspects such as disabled facilities, to ensure inclusivity and comfort for all. Additionally, we are organising further fundraising events to reach our final target and enhance community spirit.
We are excited about the progress and look forward to sharing updates at our first Shareholders Members meeting, scheduled for later this month. Thank you for your invaluable support.
Stay tuned for more fundraising events and community initiatives as we drive this project forward together.
Planning Approved at The Maitlands and the CPC Neighbourhood Plan
Planning has been approved by Shropshire Council for the development of three houses on The Maitlands. This decision has significant implications for the local community and the ongoing efforts of the Condover Parish Council.
The approval of the development falls outside the proposed Neighbourhood Plan (NP) being put forth by the Condover Parish Council. This raises questions about the weight of local planning initiatives when set against broader planning frameworks.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) highlights the importance of adopted Neighbourhood Plans. It states that significant weight should be given to these plans, emphasizing their role in guiding local development decisions. The adoption of the Condover Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan is crucial as it would provide an additional layer of defence against future planning applications that may not align with the community’s vision.
The approval of the development without the Neighbourhood Plan in place underlines the necessity for its ratification. Without it, there is a risk that future developments may not reflect the desires or needs of the local community. The Neighbourhood Plan provides a framework that represents the collective voice of the residents, ensuring that development is sustainable and beneficial.
For the Condover Parish Council, the immediate step is to expedite the finalization and adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan. This requires community involvement and support to ensure that the plan is robust and reflective of local aspirations.
The approved development on The Maitlands serves as a reminder of the importance of local planning initiatives. The Condover Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan, once adopted, will fortify the community’s position in future planning decisions, aligning development with local needs and preserving the unique character of the area.
Beeches Medical Practice - Patient Participation Group (PPG)
The Beeches Medical Practice ia at the heart of our community looking after our health and wellbeing. Its important that the village is kept informed of what the practice is planning for the future and that there is an opportunity to recieve feedback from our patients.
There will be a Patient Participation Group (PPG) Meeting held at Christ Church Bayston Hill on Thursday 22nd May 2025 at 4.30pm.
There will be a simple Agenda:
• Welcome and introduction
• Update from the Beeches Medical Practice
• Format for the PPG going forward
• Frequency of meetings
So please do come along and support The Beeches Medical Practice and help shape the future of the PPG going forward.
Lorries through Condover
Cllr Dan Morris has recently communicated with the owner of Gonsal Quarry regarding concerns about lorries not adhering to planning regulations. During his conversation, he shared videos and photos of these transgressions via WhatsApp. In response to this issue, he has established an email hotline for anyone who has evidence or photos of such violations. Please send your submissions to gonsal@gravel.co.uk
Fly Typing
Fly Tipping is the illegal disposal of household, industrial, commercial, or other controlled waste. Fly tipping can be anything from a single bag of waste to lorry loads of building waste. Fly tipping is a crime that carries serious penalties.
Shropshire Council are working closely with colleagues within West Mercia Police, Defra, The Environment Agency, and other Local Authorities to gather evidence and share best practice in how to tackle Fly tipping.
Community support is valued, you can help protect your community and environment. If you witness fly tipping, try to take as much information as possible, such as vehicle registration and description of the vehicle, time, date, location of the incident, description of the waste being dumped and a description of the people/person dumping the waste.
If safe to do so, photos can be taken of what you have witnessed. Remember, do not approach anyone who you have witnessed fly tipping.
You can report an incident of fly tipping via FixMyStreet
This will ensure that each enquiry is logged, acknowledged, and issued with a reference number. The enquiry will be allocated to the appropriate service area who will investigate the matter and action as required.
THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA
Condover Parish Council would like to make all parishioners aware that it’s the time of year, that the Thermal Camera can be hired,
Why?
The colder evenings are the perfect time to use the Camera to take images of all possible ‘leakage’ areas, relating to gaps and draughts on your home
Simply scanning all window and door frames can pick out ‘blue areas’ where heat is escaping and remedial work may be required on your home
This can save you valuable money in ensuring your property is as wind-tight as possible, and avoid wastage of your heating
If you would like to hire the Thermal Imaging Camera, please email condoverpc@gmail.com with your name, address and contact telephone number.
We aim to respond to your e-mail within seven days
Condover BMX Track
Condover Parish Council and Sports Field Management Committee are pleased to announce the opening of the BMX Cycle Track. The track is situated at the Condover Sports Field on Station Road, next to the cricket and football pitches.
The Parish Council have been aware of the need to improve recreational facilities within the Parish, principally for 9-14 year olds, who require more challenging activities. After a period of consultation with the Community it was decided that the BMX track would best meet these needs.
The tarmac track is approximately 110 metres in length and consists of a series of bends and jumps, suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders.
The project was financed from CIL funds – money received by the Parish Council from a levy placed on Developers. These funds can only be used for projects to improve the infrastructure within the community.
Condover Parish Council considers local planning matters at its monthly meetings
Please note – the Parish Council is notified of new planning applications right up to the time of its meeting and you should check the Planning Matters page from seven days before the meeting.