THE current custodians of the historic Brynkinalt Estate, which straddles the Shropshire/North Wales border, near Oswestry, have donated land extending to 13 acres to St Martins Parish Council.

Iain and Kate Hill-Trevor have leased around13.5 acres of estate land adjacent to St Martins School on a 999-year lease at zero rent, which will be used for education and community recreation.

Plans have already been submitted to Shropshire Council for a state-of-the-art multi-use sports pitch and the land gift comes as part of a community benefit scheme included in the Morlas Meadows development of 80 homes of distinction on Brynkinalt Estate land.

Iain said he and Kate were proud to be able to gift the land.

"Kate and I are genuinely delighted to continue the estate tradition of gifting assets to our community," he said.

"Previously these have included St Martins School on a 999-year lease, the land for the Community Centre and the building for the GP Surgery in the village of St Martins.

“The whole country has an urgent need for new homes.

"The Morlas Meadows development will bring in numerous new families to further extend the resilience, life and economic vibrancy of our community."

It has been confirmed that the land has been donated in addition to the Community Infrastructure Levy in excess of £723k, which the housing development attracts.

The Morlas Meadows scheme is being developed by Brynkinalt in conjunction with the St Martins-based developer, Primoris Homes.

The scheme includes a range of homes in varying styles and sizes, including 12 bungalows sympathetically styled in the manner of traditional farm buildings, preserving the character of the rural location.

Public open space and the creation of footpaths to safely extend the network around the village are other attractive additions, and terms have already been agreed with a social housing provider for eight affordable homes.

Iain added that he is excited at the prospect of working with a new look St Martins Parish Council following the local council elections last month.

He said: “We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the St Martins Parish Council for very many years.

"The Morlas Meadows scheme, and the provision of land for education, sport and recreation at St Martins, is testament to the vision and dedication of the late council chairman, John Stephens.

“Kate and I are really looking forward to working just as closely and successfully with the new look Parish Council, and St Martins School, over this shared vision, and to deliver what will be an amazing, transformative recreational facility for the school and wider community of St Martins.”