About

The Ludlow Civic Society, rather than just commenting on other people’s work, has now decided to be more active in engaging with initiatives impacting on Ludlow and its hinterland, whether through support or opposition – and is actively seeking your comment and support. If any of the initiatives below excite your interest, then please let us know.

• The Eco-Park The story of the eco-park, an extension of the town outside of the previously inviolate boundary set by the A49 bypass, raised very extensive protest within the Town, fully supported by the Society. A plea for the Secretary of State to ‘call-in’ the District Council’s planning application was not heeded and planning permission was given. This action will act as a spur to ensure that future development is fully assessed and it impacts greatly on the following initiatives.
• Traffic In Ludlow. We are preparing and including a separate report on this shortly.
• The Town Plan Ludlow Town Council took up the challenge set by the then Countryside Agency for the completion of a Town Plan thus setting a vision for the future of Ludlow. The Society was represented on the Steering Committee and fully supports the aims of the plan.
• County Council Development The County Council has the right to approve its own service development and there has previously been some contention over particular developments (The new Library and Resource Centre and the Learning Centre in Old Street). The Society not being fully aware of the County’s aims did not present its viewpoint early enough in the development history. This problem has been resolved by invitation to early concept meetings, for example on the proposals for a Youth Centre in Lower Galdeford.
• Town Design Statement This second initiative originally sponsored by the Countryside Agency was started in 2004 under a Steering Committee including the Society’s Chairman, in view of the importance of the town’s historic fabric and the Society’s aims to protect this fabric. It is aimed to cover more than the historic centre and will be the responsibility of the town as a whole, not this time led by the Town Council. It was hoped that it would become Supplementary Planning Guidance to have a direct influence on future development in the Town. Unfortunately the major revision of the national plan-making system has made this difficult if not impossible. Yet further changes are to be made to the planning system and the matter of the ‘TDS’ will be raised at the appropriate moment.
• ‘Cittaslow’ the Slow Town Network. Ludlow was the first UK town to be accepted within the ‘Slow Town’ or ‘Cittaslow’ network and is also the headquarters of Cittaslow UK and the Slow Food Convivium. This network was founded by Poalo Saturnini, Mayor of Greve-in-Chianti in Tuscany. It aims to enhance and ensure the quality of life in its member towns. Ludlow’s ‘Cittaslow’ initiative is led by the Town Council and is fully supported by the Society with a member on the steering committee.  Ludlow has now decided to withdraw from this organisation.  Should we reflect on this decision and its impact on the town.  What could we do in place of Cittaslow?
• The Conservation Area Advisory Committee The Society continues to comment on development proposals in Ludlow aided by membership of this Committee.
• Through its Planning Subcommittee, the Civic Society provides comment to Shropshire Council on potential developments affecting the town and its hinterland.

Please Email the Society with your comments and observations or let us know what support you can give. 
The Eail address is:- ludlowcivic@gmail.com