Crowds turn out for Ludlow 137 homes hearing

Around 100 people attended a public inquiry into Shropshire Council's refusal of the homes on 43 acres of land next to Foldgate Farm.

The hearing was scheduled for The Gateway in Craven Arms – but so many turned up that the venue had to be moved to the larger Craven Arms Community Centre.

The crowd was also rebuked by inspector Cullum Parker for being too rowdy, saying it was "unusual" to hear applause at planning hearings.

Objectors gave evidence against plans to develop the site, on the south east edge of Ludlow between the A49 and the railway line.

Town councillor Glen Ginger told the inspector: "We look at local opinion, and local opinion is completely against this."

He said 105 of 108 comments submitted to Shropshire Council were objecting to the development, and the town council was concerned about the impact on the Foldgate Lane, Greenacres and Steventon Road area of Ludlow and the likelihood of a large increase in traffic down the narrow roads.

Speaking on behalf of Steventon Road and Greenacres residents, David Current and water treatment expert Barrie Woodbridge raised concerns about water run-off from the proposed estate.

But Christopher Young, representing developer Richborough Estates, which brought the appeal, said both Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency had been consulted there would be a legal agreement in place to manage the new estate's drainage system if passed. He said Severn Trent had no objections.

The four-day inquiry continues.