RESIDENTS of New Street, Ludlow, will learn this week whether they have lost their battle to stop nine new homes being built.

Despite a long string of objections, planning officers at South Shropshire District Council have recommended approval of the proposal by Timothy Smith Homes.

The site is a 500sq yd parcel of land, mainly used for garages and next to homes on the western side of New Street.

A previous scheme was revised after 148 residents objected.

Many were concerned about the loss of car parking space.

The new version has 29 spaces, some of which can be let to residents who already rent garages on the site.

Ludlow Town Council backed the objectors because of over-development of the site and lack of information about parking.

Most of the objections came from New Street.

"Traffic in the area is already horrific with vehicles using the street as a rat run from surrounding estates," said one resident.

"A Victorian street will be ruined, emergency services will have limited access and the area should stay just for parking," said another.

Planning officers say the proposal should get the green light because it conformed to the provisions of the district's development plan. They say the revised scheme takes the feelings of residents into account but they recommend a site visit before committee members decide.

Members of the planning committee were due to be discussing the scheme as the Advertiser went to press.