Plans for former shop site are under spotlight
Plans for a former supermarket to be transformed into apartments needs further work, a party has said.
The South Shropshire Green Party has raised concerns over resubmitted plans at Ludlow’s old Budgens store.
The party said there were improvements from the previous plans, but they are still “missing vital points” in the plans for 19 apartments and two retail units in Ludlow’s former Budgens store on Upper Galdeford.
“The redevelopment is very welcome, as are recent improvements to its energy efficiency, but the proposed scheme is still stuck in the 20th century,” said John Cherry, South Shropshire Green Party planning officer.
“Ludlow deserves a development fit for the future on this most important central site.”
The new plan adds two A1 retail units but the party says this adds to the amount of un-let units in the town already.
Beacon
Members also said that more of the flats should be affordable housing and the 12 parking spaces are not needed due to the area’s close public transport links.
A spokesman from the party said: “We enthusiastically support the proposal to install a car club vehicle in the development, with existing car club cars parked at nearby Ludlow Foyer and available for members to book.
“We are unhappy that the plans do not specify how the building will be heated.”
Hilary Wendt, South Shropshire Green Party Coordinator, added: “The ex Budgens site offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ‘get it right’.
"It could be a beacon of good practice and healthy, cheap living, and we call on the developers and the planners to make this a reality for Ludlow.
"We also think the design needs to be better. We think it needs to not just be the ‘same as’ but achieve a ‘lifting of the spirits’ for those who live, use, and view it as the best designs can.”
