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Search the Public Notice PortalA COUNCILLOR has hit back at another councillor's claims that plans to turn a former pub and restaurant into flats will result in "hen hutches".
Councillor Andy Boddington says he has been left "shocked" by councillor Vivienne Parry's views on the conversion of the former Chang Thai restaurant and bar in Market Street, which could be turned into 10 flats if planners give the developer the green light.
Coun Parry, who represents Ludlow South, likened the flats to "hen hutches", and believes that ten separate dwellings is too many for the building.
However, Coun Boddington has hit back against her views, and claims that instead, the proposal brings "generously" sized flats, all of which comply with Government space standards.
"They are not “hen hutches” as Councillor Parry suggested.
"Ludlow has 13 pubs and bars in the town centre, with another six outside the town centre. There are many licenced restaurants and cafes.
"The loss of the Chang Thai has not affected footfall in the town centre, which was up 9 per cent year on year in June and 8 per cent in July. The length of time visitors spend in the town centre has also increased."
He admitted that the plans are in need of some improvements, adding that he has objections to one of the smaller flats, "which is no more than a bedsit", and another flat which needs a "total redesign".
"It is variously described in the applications as two bedroom and one bedroom, with a study. But the plans still show two shower rooms with toilets," he added.
"The single declared bedroom backs onto the wheelie bin store. That’s unacceptable.
"If these two issues are resolved, I see no issue with approving the applications."
Coun Boddington added that concerns have been raised over where residents will park, but says this is an issue across the town centre, and planning rules don't require parking to be provided.
He added that if the site is not brought back into use, it will "decay and become an eyesore just like former Costa Coffee on King Street".
"We need to preserve the historic buildings in Ludlow town centre and this scheme will do just that," he added.
In response, Coun Parry has protested that she is keen to see the building be brought back into use, but has real concerns over parking, and would like to see the number of flats in the building reduced.
The developers previously submitted plans for 11 flats to be created in the building, but this idea was later thrown out by planners over fears the site would become overdeveloped and cramped.
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