£50m estate plans recommended for approval

You are viewing content from Sunshine Radio Ludlow. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

Tuesday, 5 March 2019 22:33

By Andrew Morris - Local Democracy Reporter

The £50 million redevelopment of a Shropshire estate which will see 275 wooden lodges, a golf course and spa facilities built is expected to be given the green light.

Astbury Hall, near Bridgnorth, also wants to open restaurant facilities, a farm shop, two swimming pools, a bar and tennis courts, which is says will bring £3.5 million into the local economy each year.

It says it wants to create a “world class” development on the site.

The hall was formerly owned by former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing, but was put up for sale in 2017 after four of his businesses went into administration.

Now the major redevelopment plans will go before Shropshire Council’s South Planning Committee next Tuesday.

They will be presented in four parts and are all recommended for approval, albeit with several conditions.

The plans have been lodged by FCFM, who bought the estate last year.

It is believed the development will create 120 jobs at the estate, with more created in the local area as it brings more tourism to the region.

In a report to the committee, Tim Rogers, Shropshire Council planning officer, says: “The agent has explained that the proposals are to create a world class leisure destination on the Astbury Hall Estate.

“The proposals would build upon the existing and established leisure use and the historic and extant planning permissions.

“A masterplan has been prepared which is divided into several sections, with the current tranche of four applications being for the central leisure facilities; the plateau lodge development; the valley lodge development; and an on-site inn for use by the occupiers of the holiday lodges.

“Three other applications are proposed later this year, following barn surveys, relating to Astbury Hall itself, a folly and lodges on the site of existing farm buildings to the north west of the Hall.

“The applicants have advised that the construction period of the development would be an investment of around £50m, with the effect of the economic multiplier meaning the economic benefit to local job creation, local businesses and service providers likely to be in excess of £100m.

“There would be some 120 full-time equivalent jobs when the development is complete.

“It is anticipated that the customers and guests staying at the resort would have a minimum local spend, off site, of £3.5m per annum within the local economy, benefiting a variety of local businesses and tourist attractions, boosting the immediate and local economy.”

According to an economic assessment report, during construction the proposed development is anticipated to result in investment worth approximately £8.5m to the county, supporting 185 full time equivalent jobs.

There are proposed to be two apprenticeship programmes, with one providing training at the construction phase and the second a permanent apprenticeship programme providing jobs, high quality training and long term career opportunities in the growth orientated hospitality and tourism sector.

Shropshire Council said it has received three objections to the plans and three letters of support.

The meeting will be held at Shirehall, Shrewsbury, at 2pm on Tuesday, March 12.

More from Local News

Today's Weather

  • Ludlow

    Light rain shower

    High: 12°C | Low: 3°C

Like Us On Facebook