New Ludlow hospital bid given the green light

Plans for a new £27 million hospital in Ludlow have been given the go-ahead – paving the way for building work to start within months.

Planning officers at Shropshire Council today said plans for the hospital, which will include the town's two GP surgeries and a pharmacy, have been approved.

Now the project has one final hurdle to clear by gaining the blessing of the Strategic Health Authority in May before contractors can start building the hospital at Ludlow Eco Business Park. It is hoped the new hospital will open in 2014.

The news is being celebrated by project leaders and councillors, who claim the news marks a remarkable turnaround from 10 years ago when

Ludlow faced losing its existing cottage hospital at Gravel Hill due to NHS reorganisation.

Conditions attached to the project include setting up six bat boxes and 10 artificial nests for birds before the hospital opens in 2014.

A statement by Shropshire healthcare officials behind the project said: "We believe this is an amazing opportunity at a time of public austerity to secure approval for a building which will bring major benefits for years to come."

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith said: "It is going to be a wonderful hospital. Outline planning permission was granted unanimously in January and there have been no objections from parish and town councils or local residents."