Land bought for new Ludlow hospital

Health chiefs today revealed they have bought the land for Ludlow's new £27 million hospital and claimed it is a "major milestone" for the project.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust confirmed it has finalised the purchase of the site at Ludlow Eco-Business Park, to the east of the town off the A49. It has declined to say how much the land cost, but said it was "within budget".

Mathew James, communications and marketing manager at Shropshire County PCT, said: "It is true the PCT has finalised the purchase of the Ludlow Eco-Business Park site.

He said: "This is another important milestone in the project for the people of south west Shropshire.

"The project continues on track based on the plans that were approved by the PCT and Strategic Health Authority in October 2010."

The move clears the way for the health authority to step up its marketing of the existing site at Gravel Hill in Ludlow to potential developers.

Mr James added: "The existing site will not be sold until the new facilities are complete and available for local people, but the PCT is already working with the local planning authority on obtaining outline planning permission for the re-use of the site and more details will follow.

"The PCT continues the work, as previously announced, to identify a third party development partner, which is anticipated in the autumn."

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, who represents south Ludlow on Shropshire Council, said he expected the Gravel Hill site to be developed as low-cost housing.

He said: "It's a major milestone, plus it means the board behind the project is now able to talk to the interested developers and get a team appointed."

He said there would public consultation on the options available for the old site, but it currently looked likely to be some form of affordable housing, for which there is great demand in the town."

By Danny Carden