Plans to build five “luxury townhouses” in the heart of Ludlow’s historic town centre are being fiercely opposed by residents and traders.
Planning permission was given in 2006 by a regional planning inspector on appeal for the homes on land next to the 13th century Reader’s House off Church Walk.
The site, at present, has no road access and there are no plans for this. Neighbours and shopkeepers are concerned that lorries may have to park on King Street or College Street or even The Linney and transport building materials along the narrow lane at the back of the Church Inn and the side of St. Laurence’s Church.
Reader’s House owner, retired archaeologist Simon Buteux, says in letter to town centre residents: “So confident is Mr Sheldon that the development will go ahead he has already set up a company for the purpose – St Laurence Homes Ltd – and applied to have Church Walk closed.”
He adds: “I do not object to this land being developed, just being over developed and poorly developed.” John Nash, chairman of Ludlow Civic Society said: “We are fully behind Mr Buteux in our total opposition to this development. The nature and density of this is totally unacceptable, let alone the disruption that will be caused taking everything along the Church Walk. This land is an important archaeological site too and we will press for a proper survey to be paid for by the owners.
Objections have also come from Linney residents concerned that building materials may be stored near them and then carted up the hill.
Graham Willson-Lloyd, of the nearby Church Inn, has objected saying the delivery of building materials along Church Walk would cause severe disruption to his business and says he will fight any attempt to use the land at the back of the Church Inn to access the site.
The St Laurence’s Parochial Church Council described the proposal as “intrusive” and said the new homes would “cast shadows on the East window” and “impact negatively” on services conducted in the chancel.
“The attention paid to the important and nationally significant historic environment is grossly inadequate and lacking in sensitivity,” added Churchwarden Dr Ewart Carson on behalf of the PCC.
Detailed plans for and objections to the application can be seen at the Shropshire Council website, go to planning applications ref 10/01762/FUL
Shropshire Council planners are likely to consider the application at their meeting in Ludlow on August 3.