M&S reacts over concerns about new store in Ludlow
M&S has confirmed that there will be an in-store bakery and coffee counter in the store, rather than a café.
Bosses have confirmed there won’t be a café at a new M&S Foodhall in Ludlow after there were concerns that planning conditions could be breached.
Construction work is currently underway at the site opposite Eco Business Park, with the store set to create up to 70 jobs.
When planning permission was granted in January 2024, it came with a number of conditions, one of which that the store could not have a café.
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This was to “maintain planning control over the type of goods and services available in the store and to safeguard the vitality and viability of Ludlow town centre”.
However, on M&S’ careers website, it says that people can register their interest in joining the team in the M&S Café at the new Ludlow store.
Stating that the hours would from 9.30 to 5.30 on Fridays, 9.30am to 4.45pm on Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, the role would involve “making great food and drink recommendations while ensuring the café operates smoothly, even during the busiest periods”.
However, M&S has confirmed that there will be an in-store bakery and coffee counter in the store, rather than a café.
Oliver Cullum-Hollins, regional manager at M&S, said: “Our new Ludlow store will offer the very best of M&S Food for customers, from an in-store bakery and coffee counter serving barista-made takeaway drinks to fresh produce from our Select Farms, over 100 of which are in Shropshire.
“The opening will create up to 70 new jobs and anyone wanting to join the team will find more information on the roles available via the M&S careers website in the coming weeks.”
Earlier this month, Shropshire Council granted an amendment to the planning permission.
This includes the reconfiguration of the EV parking pak, relocation of trolley bays and delivery doors, repositioning of the escape door and winfor, the removal of a M&S sign, the addition of screening to two sides under the delivery canopy.
Planners also gave advertising consent for illuminated signs and billboards to be placed at the store.
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