Controversial Ludlow M&S supermarket plans approved

The planned store will be built close to the A49 after proposals were approved

New plans have been approved to build a Marks and Spencer (M&S) supermarket after an original plan was withdrawn.

The foodhall will be built on Sheet Road near the A49 in Ludlow, Shropshire.

Revised plans were submitted in October after a previous application was withdrawn amid complaints, including over the design.

M&S said the development would create 70 new jobs in the town and "unlock" the area for businesses.

Due to the new access road and infrastructure on the site, other land around it could be used by other companies, a company spokesperson said.

The plan had triggered fears over increased traffic in the area, with one councillor expressing his concerns over the impact of queuing traffic backing up onto the busy A49.

Councillor Andy Boddington said he worried peak traffic periods around Christmas time would lead to people parking their cars on Sheet Road, particularly as the car park for the store was downgraded to 160 spaces in the new plans.

Councillor Viv Parry said she did not think the town needed another supermarket.

"Do we really need another supermarket in Ludlow, which would make four? I don't think we do," she said.

The amended plans had also drawn dozens of letters both for and against it.

The application was approved subject to a condition regarding a pedestrian crossing over Sheet Road and a scheme to limit unauthorised parking in the area.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.