Planners back controversial Ludlow housing plans

Controversial plans for five luxury homes in the heart of Ludlow have been recommended for approval ahead of a crunch meeting next week - despite widespread opposition from residents.

More than 200 objections to the plans for land next to St Laurence's Church in Ludlow have been registered on Shropshire Council's website and campaigners have appealed to high-profile figures like Jeremy Paxman for support.

But the proposals submitted by St Laurence Homes have been backed by planning officers, who say they meet the terms of the council's development plan.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of Shropshire Council's south planning committee at Ludlow Town Football Club's SBS Stadium on Wednesday.

Campaigners fighting the development have claimed the homes would block light through the east window at St Laurence's Church and have also said it is not in keeping with the historic Reader's House which lies next to the site.

The site, on land behind King Street, is in the town's conservation area and has no direct road access.

Members of St Laurence's Parochial Church Council have refused to allow developers to take building materials to the site across their land, while other groups opposing the plans include Ludlow Town Council, Ludlow Civic Society and Ludlow Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

The unitary council has also received two letters in favour of the application from members of the public.