PERMISSION has been given for the redevelopment of a prominent site in Ludlow town centre.

But it has left questions about where a new post office might be provided in the town.

Shropshire Council has granted permission for the demolition and redevelopment of the One Stop building at 9 Tower Street that also houses the town’s main post office.

The replacement building will probably house a café or restaurant on the ground floor with ten apartments above.

“There is no doubt that this site needs something doing with it. It is possibly the ugliest building in Ludlow town centre,” said Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North.

“But I am concerned that we are losing a second convenience store in the main shopping area. I am even more worried about the future of the post office.”

The planners say that if the ground floor becomes a café or restaurant, they would like one third of the space to be reserved for retail units. But this request is advisory, not a planning condition.

There is no permission for a pub on the site.

The planning permission allows for 10 apartments on the upper three floors.

No contribution towards affordable housing will be made, in line with government restrictions. No car parking will be provided.

A planning condition requires that the current street trading pitch, often occupied by a trader selling bags and similar goods, must continue.