en.Wedoany.com Reported - UK housebuilder Persimmon Homes West Midlands officially commenced construction of a 100-home development project in early July 2026 in Wem, a market town in Shropshire, England. The "Eckford Vale" project is situated on a 15-acre site off Lowe Hill Road, which Persimmon acquired from land promoter Northern Trust in September 2025.
The planning process for the site has been fraught with twists. The masterplan was initially submitted in 2020 but was rejected by Shropshire Council. The developer subsequently appealed, and the Planning Inspectorate overturned the council's decision in 2022, deeming the site suitable for development. Despite objections from the local town and parish councils over access issues, the project secured reserved matters planning permission from Shropshire Council in August 2025.
Under the plans, the project will offer a range of two- to four-bedroom homes, with 10 units to be transferred to a housing association partner for rental and shared ownership. Each home will be equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. As part of the development, Persimmon will build a new children's play area and over six acres of public open space. The developer will also provide a Community Infrastructure Levy contribution of over £400,000 to support local infrastructure, education, and community services. Additionally, Persimmon will fund the construction of a new mini-roundabout at the junction of Lowe Hill Road and the B5063, and contribute to the ecological protection of the nearby Cole Mere Ramsar Site.
Lee Perry, Technical Director at Persimmon Homes West Midlands, expressed delight in launching this highly anticipated new development in Wem and looked forward to creating a high-quality, energy-efficient community for local residents, alongside significant investment in local infrastructure, green spaces, and community facilities. The on-site show home is set to open soon. With construction progressing, this closely watched development has entered a substantive construction phase.
