DEVELOPERS are looking at an alternative way of bringing materials to a site where they hope to begin work soon on building 137 new homes.

Nicholson Crest met with councillors and planners to see if there is an alternative to using Foldgate Lane for the heavy traffic.

The meeting was attended by Ludlow Town Councillor Glen Ginger as well as two of the town’s Shropshire councillors, Vivienne Parry and Andy Boddington, along with members of Ludford Parish Council.

Alternatives being considered include utilising an underpass that is currently used by a farmer.

Vivienne Parry, who is both a Shropshire councillor and member of Ludlow Town Council, said that using Foldgate Lane is not allowed under the planning approval and would be unacceptable.

“It would involve heavy lorries going down a narrow and unsuitable road as well as close to a care home that has dementia patients.”

Crest Nicholson’s plan is for construction traffic to go along Foldgate Lane from the mini roundabout near the Co-op for a length of around 85 metres.

Trucks would then turn into the north field and run along the inside of the hedge. They would cross Foldgate Lane just west of the bend and enter the south field.

Marshalls will be on duty at this point. The works will last for six to eight weeks after which construction traffic will access the site from the A49 using a newly built T-Junction.

Crest Nicholson has gained planning permission for 137 homes, 25 per cent affordable, off Foldgate Lane after a five-year battle with residents, councils and planners.

The developer is ready to go ahead with building the first phase of the housing. But one major hurdle must be crossed before housebuilding can commence. When planning permission was granted by a planning inspector in November 2016, the inspector insisted that no houses can be built until a T-Junction is constructed to allow access from the A49.

“All parties agree that it is not practical to build this T-Junction from the A49,” added Mr Boddington.

“The road is around six metres higher than the site at this point.

“That is why Viv Parry and I suggested a different location for the T-Junction where the difference in levels is just one metre. But Crest Nicholson is ruling this out.

“Ludford Parish Council have come up with another proposal. They want construction traffic to approach from Sheet Farm on the other side of the A49.”