Planners say no to Ludlow housing plans
Controversial plans to build five luxury homes next to Ludlow's St Laurence's Church were thrown out today.
Proposals to build five luxury homes in the shadow of an 800-year-old Shropshire church which sparked 200 objections have been rejected by county planners.
But the application will still have to go before Shropshire Council's strategic planning committee because costs to the authority could be substantial if the decision is appealed by the developer.
It was standing room only at Ludlow Town Football Club yesterday with more than 120 people attending the planning committee meeting to debate the proposal for the homes on land next to Ludlow's St Laurence's Church.
The plans were defeated with councillors voting five to four against, with one abstaining.
The council was told it could face £20,000 costs if the applicants appealed .
Council officers advised approval as a plans inquiry had previously granted permission for five homes on the site, which is still valid.
Andrew Sheldon, from developers St Laurence Homes Ltd, said work had started on the site activating the original permission.
Councillor Cecilia Motley said: "This is a new application for a new determination. Officers say a decision must be reached with material considerations in mind. Consistency in decision making is a consideration."
Campaigners were delighted by the outcome.
Resident Andy Boddington said: "It's councillors voting for what's right for Ludlow and not being bullied by the officers."
