Ludlow St Laurence's homes plan likely to end up in court
A row over plans to build five homes in the shadow of Ludlow's 800-year-old St Laurence's Church is likely to be decided in court, it has been revealed.
A row over plans to build five homes in the shadow of Ludlow's 800-year-old St Laurence's Church is likely to be decided in court, it has been revealed.
Developer Andrew Sheldon, of St Laurence Homes, has decided not to exercise his right to buy land behind King Street to build the homes in the face of huge public opposition. Campaigners have claimed a victory for the people of the town.
But Mr Sheldon has claimed he will try to buy the land again to build the homes once a dispute over the ownership of a historic boundary wall has been resolved.
He said it was "likely" this would be decided in court.
Representatives of Ludlow Civic Society are already considering making their own bid for the site, which lies near the 15th century Reader's House, to secure it for community benefit.
Mr Sheldon said: "We have not taken up the option to buy the land and the issue of the ownership of the wall has still to be clarified through the courts.
"We expect it to be resolved satisfactorily and then we will look to buy the land and develop it in accordance with the planning permission granted earlier this year."
Simon Buteux, chairman of Ludlow Civic Society, welcomed the move.
"Developers and planners have tried to push this through against everyone's wishes and it is great that the people of Ludlow can put their foot down and say no," he said. "Developers cannot just fly in the face of public opinion."
The scheme had been granted approval by Shropshire Council's now-defunct strategic planning authority this year.
"This was despite hundreds of letters of objection and huge numbers turning out to public planning meetings.
A Stop the Blot campaign, inspired by the 1980s BBC television series Blott on the Landscape was also formed in order to help raise cash and awareness of the campaign.
Groups that are opposing the developer's plans include the civic society, St Laurence's Parochial Church Council, Ludlow Town Council and Ludlow Conservation Area Advisory Committee.
By Peter Kitchen
