Ludlow housing development gets the green light
Hundreds of new homes are to be built on the outskirts of Ludlow after planning approval was granted for a large new development.
At a meeting of Shropshire Council's South Planning Committee, members heard that previous objections from the highways department, conservation department and Highways England had been withdrawn.
The application from Pickstock Homes was a 'hybrid', seeking full permission for the first phase of the 200-house scheme at Rocks Green, and outline permission for phases two and three. Phase one consists of 68 homes.
The land was earmarked in the council's Site Allocations and Management of Development (SAMDev) plan in 2016 for in the region of 200 houses.
Councillor Andy Boddington, member for Ludlow North, said he and the town's other two councillors were in agreement that the housing supply was needed.
However he said the proposed pelican crossing over the A49 at Rocks Green Island was a cause for "huge concern", as cars coming from the A4117 and taking the first exit off the roundabout would not see it.
"This is our preferred location for a development which is why we have heavily opposed other developments around Ludlow," said Councillor Boddington.
"We do support this - the issues that have been raised are relatively minor."
He also asked for the current proposed 12 per cent affordable housing provision in phase one be raised to 15 per cent - two extra houses - in line with council policy. This was agreed by representatives of the developers and was added as a condition.
Another condition for planning approval stipulated that a £10,000 contribution must be made by the developer to go towards relocation of the existing 40mph speed limit along the A4117.
Councillor Gwilym Butler asked for a 30mph speed limit along the road from the roundabout and 40mph further along, but was told by planning officers this would need police approval.
He also asked that the entire residential area be a 20mph zone, but this was also rejected by officers who said it would set a precedent - though it will be fed back to the developers and considered.
Councillor Boddington said: "I am disappointed the idea of a 20mph zone has been kicked into touch because it would be setting a precedent. I think it would be a good precedent that we could be proud of."
The scheme was unanimously approved by the committee.
