Former supermarket set to be demolished

A major development could be built on the site of a former supermarket, with two shops and 19 apartments planned.

Morris & Co have submitted plans to transform the former Budgens supermarket site in Upper Galdeford, Ludlow.

The proposals, which have been sent to Shropshire Council, involve 19 apartments, 12 parking spaces, two retail units and the demolition of the current supermarket site.

Agent Trevor Hewett said the plans are for an important location in the town.

He said: “The site, on Upper Galdeford, is the former Budgens supermarket at the entrance to Galdeford Car Park. 

“The site is located on the fringe of the town centre in close proximity to two conservation areas. 

“The site is seen as an important strategic location in the townscape, which justifies an urban design and context-led design approach. 

“Our client has asked us to explore options with a view to creating a mixed use, high quality development. 

“The proposed development site occupies a parcel of land beyond the eastern extent of the historic Town Wall at the node where Tower Street Upper Galdeford and Lower Galdeford converge. 

“Tower Street was the site of the Galdeford Gate which it is believed was similar in design to Broadgate. 

“The gate was demolished in 1764. Subsequent uses included the gaol and police station. 

“The excellent connectivity of the proposal site leant itself to hospitality uses. 

“Some of Ludlow’s numerous pubs, The Bell Inn and The Portcullis, were located on the site. 

“The Portcullis remained until the mid-1980s when it was demolished to make way for the supermarket which currently occupies the site.”

He added: “The proposed scheme offers a mix of uses with retail on ground floor with high quality residential above over two storeys and a smaller penthouse level.

“The scheme was submitted for pre-application advice in June 2019. This included presentations to Ludlow Town Council and Ludlow Conservation Area Advisory Committee. 

“The pre-application advice found no fundamental concerns. 

“A series of study tours were held to identify characteristics of key precedents of Ludlow’s architecture. These included nodal buildings, windows and shopfronts.

“A mix of affordable units has been agreed with the council.”

Councillor Andy Boddington, councillor for Ludlow South, said: “Both the retail units will be restricted to A1 use, which is defined as ‘shops, retail warehouses, hairdressers, undertakers, travel and ticket agencies, post offices, pet shops, sandwich bars, showrooms, domestic hire shops, dry cleaners, funeral directors and internet cafes.’

“That means no Wetherspoons or restaurants. These retail units are far too big for many of the uses listed above. 

“They will be selling goods and will give a boost to this area of the town centre and the retail offer in Ludlow as whole. 

“It will help counter the impact of the Rocks Green supermarkets, for which detailed plans are expected in January or February.”