Decision due on homes bid near Ludlow church

Plans for five homes next to an 800-year-old Shropshire church which sparked more than 200 objections could be given the go-ahead, it was revealed today.

The scheme next to St Laurence's Church in Ludlow, which led to a mass of objections, has been recommended for approval with conditions by planning officers. The final decision will be made at a meeting of Shropshire Council's south planning committee on Tuesday.

Residents against the plans have appealed to high profile figures including Jeremy Paxman to support their protest.

The site is next to the church and does not include any plans for parking spaces. It is also next to the historic Reader's House, a listed building.

Objectors to the plans include Ludlow Town Council, Ludlow Civic Society, Ludlow Conservation Area Advisory Committee and Ludlow Parochial Church Council (PCC).

In a summary of its objection, the town council said: "Following a great many written representations and attendance at two representation committees of over 20 members of the public, Ludlow Town Council has rejected the current proposals unanimously."

The council said it had several concerns, including the closeness of the development to two grade I listed buildings - the church and the Reader's House.

Ludlow PCC has said: "The scale of the proposed development is such that it will cast shadows on the east window of the church, and thereby impact negatively on services being conducted in the chancel and on the visitor experience, on which we rely for regular income."

The planning meeting is at 2pm at Ludlow Football Club.