Ludlow supermarket decision deferred but councillors "minded to refuse"
A decision over supermarket plans that have hung over Ludlow for two years has been put off despite councillors being adamant they want to refuse it.
It was standing room only as more than 50 people packed in to a planning meeting at Shirehall to hear a decision expected to be made on plans for an edge-of-town off the A49 Ludlow bypass that have been bitterly opposed over the past two years.
But campaigners and decision makers alike were frustrated as, despite Shropshire Council's south planning committee members unanimously agreeing they wanted to throw out the controversial plans, they were not allowed to by their own officers – and told it may be two months more of uncertainty before the scheme comes back for a decision.
After three-and-a-half hours of heated debate, council officers insisted they would not let councillors refuse the supermarket there and then. Councillors initially dug their heels in with committee member Andy Boddington, for Ludlow North, saying: "Some of us have been working on this for months. I think we are here to decide."
But members eventually conceded to lodge that they were "minded to refuse" and look again at the plans at a future meeting
Speaking after the meeting planning officer Karen Townend said: "I'm happy their view is that they want to refuse, but a refusal immediately would put the council at risk of losing if any appeal was brought.
"I'm not expecting them to change their mind but we want to make sure the reasons for refusing are sound and defensible."
Campaigners with Love Ludlow, representing traders and town centre residents, say the supermarket will have a "devastating" effect on the town's small independent shops.
Jeanette Rowlatt, speaking for Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, said some would have profit wiped out and their closure could lead to a "downward spiral" for the high street.
