A BUSINESS owner has told of her frustration at ongoing planning permission delays.

But Sophie Dillon, owner of Hayes Barn bed and breakfast, has vowed that she is still “100 per cent” behind her planning permission bid for restaurant and drinking establishment use on the site off Racecourse Road.

The businesswoman said that she had hoped it would go before Shropshire Council’s North Planning Committee agenda in September, but the meeting was cancelled.

It was not on the October agenda and it wasn’t included in Monday’s November meeting – despite the unitary authority telling her it would be, Sophie said.

She added that Shropshire Council had asked her to address concerns raised by a “handful of objectors”.

“It’s a bit frustrating because none of these things were raised in the first application that resulted in the refusal of planning permission,” she said

Sophie’s original bid was refused in September last year due to highway access and noise concerns.

“Having addressed the two concerns [from the original planning decision] we have now been presented with a list of other things which have apparently been brought to light,” she added.

She submitted a fresh application to the council earlier this year.

“Concerns have included foul water treatment and access, which Sophie said she has addressed.

Surveys into any possible impact on wildlife and trees are now being carried out.

Sophie decided to close the bed and breakfast while an enforcement order – which has since been lifted – preventing service of food and drink was in place.

But she added that she has re-opened the bed and breakfast side of her business, having been assured by Shropshire Council that she could do so.

She hopes that the December planning meeting will see councillors discuss the application, but fears that the festive season could lead to it being cancelled again.

But Sophie stressed that she has no ill will towards Shropshire Council, and added: “The council are in a position where they have to respond to these things and I understand that.

“I’m not having a pop at the council in that respect.”

She added: “We’re still 100 per cent [behind the venture] and have every confidence that we will get there in the end.”