Morrisons Oswestry Store to Remove Living Wall Due to Upkeep Issues

Morrisons planned to take down a feature panel that sits outside their Shrewsbury Road store. They cited continuous upkeep problems as the reason for its removal.

The panel was installed before the store opened in 2019 and is one of four panels at the store’s front, showcasing various aspects of the business. These panels depict elements like a butcher’s block, a boat for fish, brick ovens, and plants, which represent the produce area. Now, the supermarket intends to replace it with a timber panel.

Oswestry Town Council members expressed their opposition to the removal, suggesting the panel provided a habitat for local insects. They argued that its removal would negatively impact biodiversity and requested plans to offset this loss through on-site or off-site planting.

Melanie Williams, the case officer, presented a contrasting perspective. She stated that the wall, due to its size, does not qualify as a “priority habitat.” She further noted that the proposal aligns with the street scene, and the work would not significantly damage biodiversity. Consequently, she considered the plan compliant with development policy.