Elderly bungalows for 'underused' sites in Ludlow
A housing association is planning to build 13 new bungalows around in "underused" areas of a county town.
Shropshire Housing Group has said Ludlow is in dire need of more social housing for the elderly close to the town centre, but there are very few sites to build.
It has now submitted planning applications for three locations around Ludlow that it says are "underutilised areas".
The three sites include sets of garages at Houseman Crescent and Poyner Close and a grassy area next to the group's existing social housing on Sidney Road.
Paul Sutton, Shropshire Housing Groups executive director for assets and development, said: “There is a real need for elderly accommodation, especially bungalows, in Ludlow and we struggle to find suitable land within easy reach of the town so that our customers can maintain their independence.
"It is therefore essential that we consider all options. We have problems renting garages as they are often too small for modern day cars, which means much of the time we have many that are empty.
"Out of the twenty-one garages at Houseman Crescent only a third are rented and at Poyner Close only two of the four are occupied by local tenants.
"We must also reflect on where we target our investment and consider the provision of good quality homes for local older people are a higher priority than places to park vehicles.
"We do accept however that this may not be the same conclusion of the people who park their vehicles or store their possessions in the garages, but we need to make choices – homes or garages?"
The application is seeking to replace the garages with four bungalows at Houseman Crescent and two at Poyner Close. In addition, the group is seeking planning permission for seven bungalows, including one for a wheelchair user, at Sidney Road while still retaining some of the green space.
The plans have been lodged with Shropshire Council and can now be viewed on the authority's online planning portal.
Mr Sutton added: “We hope the plans will be welcomed by the town as our objective is to, utilise under used areas to create more housing for the elderly and maintain their independence longer.”
