Controversial Ludlow estate moves ahead at last

It has been in limbo since finally being granted after a bitterly fought planning inspector’s hearing.

The 43-acre development at Foldgate Lane, on the edge of the town, was initially refused by Shropshire Council, but was given the go-ahead in November after an appeal by developers Richborough Estates.

Aside from Richborough Estates seeking a house builder to buy and develop the site little has been heard since – but now both the results of an archaeological dig and plans for a new public footpath have been revealed for the site. Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, said archaeological findings will not stop the development of the area as they have not been within where building is set to take place.

Geophysical

He said: “In April, Warwickshire Archaeology dug 10 trial trenches above the enclosure discovered during the 2014 geophysical survey. This revealed that the enclosure ditch contained Iron Age pottery. The Iron Age enclosure is not included in the development area and will be preserved in-situ. A watching brief is planned on the rest of the site once development commences.”

Meanwhile, he said an application for a newly amended footpath had been made, as closing pedestrian access over the railway was a condition of the permission awarded by the planning inspector. While he had opposed the development previously, he said the footpath looked like a reasonable one.

He said: “The right of way will be diverted to follow the rail line from the railway bridge on Foldgate Lane. Heading south, it crosses a new footbridge and swings east before returning to the rail line. The new route then heads south east again to join the Tinkers Hill road close to the road bridge over the A49.

“This looks good to me. It creates a south north route which will form a loop with Steventon Road. From the south, it uses the existing footpath passing the oak to the edge of the railway. It then swings back to follow a planned hedge. After a short distance on the road, it turns across the aqueduct to follow the railway alongside an area of drainage and wetlands. It will join Foldgate Lane at the existing fence access into the field by the railway bridge.

“I think this will be an enjoyable route to walk.

“An application for full planning permission has yet to be submitted to Shropshire Council, so we remain somewhat in the dark on the details. But the rerouting of the footpath and its alignment suggests that the development is to go ahead pretty much as planned.” he added.