A PLANNING report that will shape development in Ludlow and south Shropshire for a generation is a step nearer approval.

It sets out the land that can be allocated for housing development in the coming years and should put an end to speculative plans by developers.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has welcomed publication the Planning Inspector’s Report to Shropshire Council on the SAMDev planning document.

“I am pleased that at long last Shropshire Council has now received comments with some important but relatively minor modifications to the SAMDev planning document from the Planning Inspector,” said Philip Dunne.

“SAMDev will be put to the Council at its meeting next month for final approval.

“Once this has been approved by Shropshire Council, it will become the defining document to determine where development ?of new housing in the county will be capable of being permitted over the next five years.

“This should provide clarity over where development has been accepted to be able to take place in principle by the planning authority, following extensive consultation with local communities over the last few years. This will give certainty to local communities and developers about housing plans, and should allow more houses to be delivered after some years of uncertainty.

“It will now make no sense for large speculative developments to be put forward in our communities.”

The lack of a plan means that it is difficult for Shropshire planners to turn down applications without the risk of being taken to appeal and potentially incurring costs.

“This has been an exhaustive process for Shropshire Council and all involved, and brings to an end the process of combining six disparate planning policies of the former district, borough and county councils which came together in 2009 to form a unitary authority,” added Philip Dunne.