Connexus works with Ludlow Town Council to save Sidney Road green

11th December, 2019

vbolton

Developments

Sidney Road green

At its meeting on 9th December, Ludlow Town Council agreed to take ownership of the green on Sidney Road. This followed an offer from Connexus to sell the land to the town council for the nominal sum of £1.

Connexus had previously gained planning permission for 5 bungalows on the site. Vicki Tomlinson, Director of Development, attended a Town Council meeting earlier this year where she listened to concerns from residents and Councillors. The decision was then taken not to develop on the site and to transfer Sidney Road green back to Ludlow Town Council.

As part of the transfer, Connexus will apply to Shropshire Council to have the land registered as a town green. This will block any development on the site, which currently has planning permission for 5 bungalows, in perpetuity.

“As a Housing Association, we have made a commitment to work with the grain of our communities, not against it. We talked to residents around Sidney Road, who made their strong opposition to development of this green space very clear.

Finding appropriate sites for social housing developments is always a priority but we decided not to proceed with this development. Connexus is grateful to Ludlow Town Council for agreeing to take ownership of this space on behalf of the community.”

Richard Woolley, Chief Executive, reflected:

“I am proud of our council’s decision to take on this green space. The green is on an important route into Ludlow. Fifty years ago, one of my predecessors as mayor passed around his hat to raise money to plant trees on the green and it has been well used ever since. Once we have completed the legal transfer, we can plan the future of this vital open space. We might plant more trees, or perhaps create a wildflower meadow. We will be asking everyone for ideas!”

Tim Gill is Mayor of Ludlow and chair of Ludlow Town Council

“Connexus has done the right thing for our community. Everyone worked hard to protect this open space. Their efforts have been rewarded. Once we have concluded the transfer, I’d like to see a huge community party on the green. We have a lot to celebrate. Thank you, Connexus!”

Tracey Huffer is Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East, the ward in which the green lies

Repairs

Connexus works with Ludlow Town Council to save Sidney Road green