PRESS RELEASE:
20 August 2020
LUDLOW MAY LOSE RARE MEADOW
This week, the property developers, Shropshire Homes, have submitted a planning application to build six two-storey houses and a bungalow, along with twenty four parking spaces, on the meadow beside Castle View Terrace in Ludlow. (https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/.) If the application is approved, the work could be scheduled to start next summer, 2021.
The plans, revealed to local residents in July, have caused considerable upset and anger in both the local and wider communities, and a group has been formed to try to preserve the ancient meadow and the public footpath which crosses it.
Peter Roberts, of the Save Castle View Meadow group says, “We’re extremely disappointed that Shropshire Homes, which already has planning permission to build 79 flats and houses in the derelict quarry in Fishmore Road, would choose to see this lovely meadow as a suitable place for urban infill. It’s one of Ludlow’s ‘hidden gems’ - a rare green space in a very built-up district. The mediaeval field enriches the local environment, has far-reaching views, and has been a grazing pasture from time immemorial. For many years, children have especially enjoyed visiting the lambs that are born here each spring. Apart from the ecological impact, losing almost an acre of hillside meadow will reduce significantly the field’s capacity for slowing the passage of water down through the quarry into the flood-prone River Corve catchment.”
Residents are also concerned that the site is to be accessed solely along Castle View Terrace. “This is a narrow no-through road without pavements, and no passing places; it’s in constant pedestrian use, often by elderly and infirm people, and by schoolchildren. Council refuse-collection lorries, and delivery vehicles, have the greatest difficulty in manoeuvring along here. A further increase in traffic use will be not just inconvenient, but potentially dangerous.”
This year, housing development has been permitted in Foldgate Lane, The Sheet, Rocks Green, and on the Fishmore Quarry site; and Ludlow has more than fulfilled its statutory new housing quota.
“We feel it’s particularly sad that a proudly Shropshire-based company, having already secured several extensive building contracts in Ludlow, is in this case prepared to over-ride the clearly-expressed objections of local people, for the sake of a mere seven dwellings. In the best interests of the community at large, we would strongly urge them to reconsider.”
For further information, please visit www.savethemeadow.co.uk
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