2011 Notes from the Chairman

Chairman’s notes March 2011

Yet again the issue dominating our time and concern is the attempt to build 5 houses alongside St. Laurence’s Church and the Reader’s House.
On 26th January the application was heard by the Shropshire South Planning Committee and following significant lobbying and the opportunity to speak at the meeting it was refused by the councillors. However, because it was said by the Planning Officer that refusal would in his opinion expose the Council to possible costs at any appeal, the Application was referred to the Strategic Planning Committee and it was as though the South Planning Committee had not met and voted!
At their meeting on 17th February, the Strategic Planning Committee voted to approve the Application, this in spite of 200 objections from local people, and the objections from national and international experts, together with all the Ludlow organisations who commented on the proposal.
We are challenging this failure in local democracy using a number of routes and are determined to make every effort to prevent the Development.
The fall back position is St. Laurence’s Church claim of ownership of the boundary wall of the site, which if proved will stop the development whatever the council decide! The Civic Society is supporting the Church and will, through the local community ensure funds are available to meet their legal costs.
By the time we go to press, things may well have moved on and in particular we are joining with Shropshire Council, outside of the planning environment in an attempt to buy the land from the current owner. This would avoid a similar scheme appearing in the future, and provide the opportunity to create something sensitive to its location, whilst maintaining the setting of both St. Laurence’s and the Reader’s House.
Members who have previously pledged financial support are asked to continue with their pledges, and we are inviting everyone to help us in stopping this unwanted development. Please contact me or our Treasurer for further details.
Enclosed with this publication is a fact sheet recording what has occurred, so that if we fail, at least everyone will know how it happened!!
It has been heartening to be working with members of the Society and more particularly with the wider community to oppose the scheme, and it is unusual to have such unanimity of opinion.
The AGM takes place on 14th. May and we hope that you will be able to be there to support the Committee. This year, after the formal business we hope to start a debate on the future development of Ludlow and this will provide an opportunity for our members to give us their views.