THE go-ahead has been given for a complex of homes for older people which will replace a 1960s development in Ludlow that has been increasingly seen as an eye-sore.

Planning has been granted for Beech Gardens, a new housing scheme in Ludlow, which will take the place of the current maisonettes in Sandpits Road.

With existing tenants now re-housed, work on demolishing the maisonettes is due to begin in June or July. Replacing the 1960s ‘eyesore’, Beech Gardens will comprise 26 new homes for rent, including four two-bedroom bungalows and 22 apartments.

Exclusively for elderly and frail people, who want to live independently in their own home, these properties will offer a high level of a specification and design, rivalling the very best private developer.

Glazed inner patios, which can be opened up when the weather is fine will give residents an all year round garden, while onsite facilities such as a launderette and optional service packages will mean they can choose as much or a little help they require.

“We are going to be creating something really special with Beech Gardens,” said Paul Sutton, chief executive of Shropshire Housing.

“More and more people want to live independently in old age and a scheme like this gives them that opportunity. We see Beech Gardens as a blueprint for the future and a scheme which Ludlow should be proud of.”

Initial works to ready the site for demolition have now commenced.

When the scheme was first mooted, Tracey Huffer, who represents Ludlow East on Shropshire Council, said she was in favour provided that suitable alternative accommodation could be found for people living in the maisonettes.

The maisonettes are believed to date back to the late 1950s or early 1960s.

“It is a type of housing that was popular at the time but has gone out of fashion,” added Mrs Huffer at the time.

“They have deteriorated and in some cases look quite run down and are regarded as something of an ‘eyesore'. Although they served a purpose at the time, this type of housing is not now really considered to be suitable for families.”

But she said that a complex for older people would be welcome and meet a need.

“We have a large and growing number of older people in Ludlow and a serious shortage of social housing for them so this development would meet a real need.”