Ludlow green saved from housing development for a second time

Plans by housing group Connexus for five independent living homes on Sidney Road were thrown out by Shropshire Council's south planning committee on Tuesday.

It had been recommended for approval by planning bosses who said it would bring "substantial" benefits to the town.

But councillors threw out the application once again on the grounds that it would lead to a loss of a large maple tree and much-needed green space.

Members also said the design of the development was of a low quality.

Speaking after the meeting, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East, Tracey Huffer, said: "This is great news. It is the right decision and I hope this is the end of it. We value this green and the trees. We should be talking about improving it, not building on it.

"We have identified a lot of brownfield sites around Ludlow where housing, including social housing, can be built.

"We will support any reasonable application from the housing association but not any proposal to build on this a much loved green space.”

In August 2017, the committee rejected plans for five bungalows on the land, which was controversial from the outset after a health Norway Maple tree was felled without notice.

Local councillors saved a second maple after hurried negotiations and a protection order was secured for the remaining trees.

Viv Parry, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South said: "I knocked on every door in Charlton Rise, the road that leads to the green.

"Every single house signed a petition against it. It would have taken away the only green space on Sheet Road. I want to see the green improved including a bench for people to rest on before going up the hill.”

Councillor Andy Boddington for Ludlow North, who had threatened to tie himself to the tree in a bid to save it, said he hopes this is the end of the plans from Connexus, but warned the company could still appeal the committee's decision.

He added: "The committee’s decision was decisive and there were very strong grounds for refusal because the scheme was poorly designed. It would have also led to the loss of a tree and open space.

"I hope we can now draw a line under this proposal, which has been refused twice. The south planning committee recognised how valuable this space is to the community of Ludlow. I hope the housing association can now do the same and drop any proposals to build on it.”