Ludlow homes approved as inspector overturns council refusal

A total of 215 homes have been given the go ahead off Bromfield Road, including a controversial footbridge into quiet cul-de-sac Fishmore View.

Plans for the homes were refused by Shropshire Council's south planning committee in February, after particular concerns about the impact of the footbridge on existing residents.

But a planning inspectorate report issued after an appeal hearing in recent weeks, by Inspector Brain J Sims, said: "The socio-economic benefits of providing up to 215 new market and affordable homes, together with a neighbourhood store, significantly and demonstrably outweigh any small degree of environmental harm that might result.

"Even though the proposed development would be sustainable without the Fishmore View bridge, its retention within the appeal development as proposed is therefore justified, as a suitable means of pedestrian and cycle access."

However, Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North and a member of the south planning committee, who spoke at the hearing, said he was "furious".

He said: "This decision by the Bristol-based planning inspectorate tramples over local democracy.

"I am furious that a vehemently opposed footbridge connecting the development to Fishmore View has been approved and I am furious because the decision blows apart our local plan, known as SAMDev, even before it is formally approved by Shropshire Council on December 17."