80 homes planned for former landmark brick factory

The proposed development has moved forward following years of uncertainty brought on by the recession.

County planners first backed outline proposals for 94 homes at Ludlow's former brick works in Fishmore Road in 2007.

But applicants Bovale Ltd never submitted a full planning application before the economic downturn arrived.

That may now be set to change as developers have asked Shropshire Council if an environmental impact assessment is needed before submitting a fresh full proposal for 80 houses on the historical site in the centre of town.

The Fishmore Road works closed in 1948, but the exposed Raglan Mudstone that supported one of the town's major industries can still be seen on the site.

Though better known for medieval rather than industrial heritage, in Georgian and Victorian times Ludlow was a major manufacturer of tile and brick thanks to the geology of the area.

But little remains to be seen at the site, and it has long been hoped that the brownfield site might be developed.

Outline permission was given to one to four bedroom houses, with 38 classed as affordable, and was again renewed in 2011, but plans for the site had again gone quiet until now.

Ludlow North ward councillor Andy Boddington said it was frustrating that greenfield sites outside the town were threatened while the central Fishmore Road site remained empty.

But, he said, he was still concerned about the number of houses that could be squeezed into the area – especially as last year another developer put in for outline planning permission for 20 houses at the former Whittles bus depot across the road.

He said the former bus depot homes were being held up by a verdict on whether decontamination measures are needed at the the site, but he didn't think the brickworks scheme would be delayed by needing an environmental impact assessment.

The need for an impact assessment at the brick works site is set to be determined by April 10.