Ludlow St Laurence's Church housing plans approved

Controversial plans for five luxury homes in the shadow of Ludlow's St Laurence's Church have today been given the go-ahead.

Members of Shropshire Council's Strategic Planning Committee approved the application, for land behind 9-10 King Street, by just one vote this afternoon.

More than 120 people packed into a meeting at Ludlow Assembly Rooms while another 30 listened via speakers on the stairs outside.

The plans were thrown out last month by members of the authority's South Planning Committee.

As a result of that decision they were referred up to the Strategic Planning Committee.

Andrew Sheldon, of developers St Laurence Homes, said he believed the project would enhance the area and said work could begin as early as the summer.

Campaigners will meet to discuss their next step over the next few days.

One of the campaigners, Joyce Brand, said: "This is far from over."