Date set for planners to discuss Ludlow homes plan

Plans for five homes in a Shropshire town which have now sparked more than 200 objections will be discussed by planners just before Christmas, it emerged today.

The proposed development, for land at the rear of King Street in Ludlow, has led to a mass of objections, with residents appealing to high profile figures including Jeremy Paxman to support their protests.

The land is next to St Laurence's Church and plans do not include parking spaces.

Gareth Proffitt, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said the scheme was due to be considered at the December 21 meeting of the council's south planning committee at Ludlow Town Football Club.

Resident Joyce Brand, who lives near the proposed site, said: "There isn't anyone I know who is in favour of it. We would be aiming to get together a group of people to be at the planning meeting in a very noticeable way.

"We are going to have a small booklet which lays out the letters of protest, the details of the plan, the impact it would have upon the church itself."

Simon Buteux, who owns the historic Reader's House next to the site said: "It's right up against the east window of St Laurence's. It's a great pity the site is not attached to this house, because if it had been, it would be within the curtilage of a listed building."

Andrew Sheldon, from St Laurence Homes, which has put in the application, said he wanted to repeat previous comments that the site already had planning permission for five homes.

He said the new application was for an improved smaller and slightly lower scheme. He said he expected the application to go forward with a recommendation for approval at the meeting.