Public inquiry to be held over Ludlow housing plan

Tesni Properties, the developer behind the proposal for a new housing estate next to the A49 to the north of the town, has lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate over a decision to refuse planning permission for the homes.

A three-day planning inquiry will be held during the spring or summer. A date has not yet been fixed.

The controversial plans housing estate, which would include a new roundabout off the A49, a park on the banks of the River Corve and a new shop off Bromfield Road, were first refused by Shropshire Council's south planning committee last summer, despite being recommended for approval by council officers.

It was turned down over multiple concerns about poor access from the A49, possible flooding from the River Corve and proximity to the railway which may be "detrimental to the amenities and safety of residents".

A footbridge over the River Corve, linking the estate to the quiet cul-de-sac Fishmore View, was also unpopular with councillors.

Tesni resubmitted the plans, at the same time as lodging the appeal to the inspectorate, but they were thrown out a second time this month, after which Ludlow North Councillor Andy Boddington urged the firm to redesign the proposal and drop the appeal.

However the three-day planning inquiry will go ahead, to be held this spring or summer, with an exact date has yet to be set. People have until March 9 to make their views on the scheme known to the inspectorate in writing.

For more information on the appeal visit acp.planningportal.gov.uk, under appeal APP/L3245/W/14/3001117.