Plans for 215 Ludlow homes thrown out over safety concerns
Plans for 215 homes in Ludlow have been thrown out over fears for safety of future residents.
Members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee rejected the proposals for land south of the A49 in Ludlow over concerns for safety for people living on the site, which would be bordered by the main road, a key railway line and the River Corve.
Outline plans for the development, which would involve a new roundabout on the A49, the creation of a riverside park on the banks of the River Corve and a new shop, were deferred by councillors from their last meeting after they were unable to see the full site.
But at their latest meeting held yesterday at Shirehall in Shrewsbury, they decided to reject the plans over concerns about the suitability of the site and concerns for safety, particularly of children.
Councillor Robert Tindall said: "I don't like this scheme. If someone came to me and said they wanted to build houses between a river that floods, the A49 and a railway line, I would say they were absolutely bonkers.
"I would say the best use for this land is the agricultural use now.
"If these plans came in the other way round, with plans for the A49 next to an existing development, the residents would be owed compensation for blight.
"There would be children running around a major link road, major railway line and major river."
Councillor Cecilia Mottley said: "I must say I am very worried about this scheme.
"It is a very long time since I came across such a difficult site.
"The way the river snakes round the development, there would have to be some real mitigation to stop children falling in."
Councillor David Evans added: "I feel we should be building houses to a better standard than they have been built before - not close to major roads and railway lines."
About 20 objections have previously been raised by residents who fear it would place extra strain on nearby schools and would be built on land not earmarked for development.
Concerns were also raised over plans within the proposals to build a footbridge over the River Corve, though developers said they were happy to remove that aspect, should councillors so decide.
Planning officers also recommended that archaeological work was carried out at the site before any homes were built, should consent be granted. But did recommended that councillors approve the plans.
