Ludlow
Civic Society - Achievements and Initiatives
The
Ludlow Civic Society, rather than just commenting on other people's
work, has now decided to be more active in promoting and supporting initiatives
impacting on Ludlow and its hinterland - and is actively seeking your comment
and support. If any of the initiatives below excite your interest, then please
let us know.
- The Eco-Park The story of the eco-park, an extension of the
town outside of the previously inviolate boundary set by the A49 bypass,
raised very extensive protest within the Town, fully supported by the Society.
A plea for the Secretary of State to 'call-in' the District Council's planning
application was not heeded and planning permission was given. This action
will act as a spur to ensure that future development is fully assessed and
it impacts greatly on the following initiatives.
- County Council Development The County Council has
the right to approve its own service development and there has previously
been some contention over particular developments (The new Library and Resource
Centre and the Learning Centre in Old Street). The Society not being fully
aware of the County's aims did not present its viewpoint early enough in the
development history. This problem has was resolved by invitiation to early
concept meetings, for example on the proposals for a Youth Centre in Lower
Galdeford.
- The Town
Plan Ludlow Town Council took up the challenge set
by the then Countryside Agency for the completion of a Town Plan thus setting
a vision for the future of Ludlow. The Society was represented on the Steering
Committee and fully supports the aims of the plan.
- Town
Design Statement This second initiative originally sponsered by
the Countryside Agency was started in 2004 under a Steering Committee including
the Society's Chairman in view of the importance of the town's historic
fabric and the Society's aims to so protect this fabric. It is aimed to
cover more than the historic centre and will be the responsibilty of the
town as a whole, not this time led by the Town Council. It was hoped that
it would become Supplementary Planning Guidance to have a direct influence
on future development in the Town. Unfortunately the major revision of the
national plan-making system has made this difficult if not impossible. Yet
further changes are to be made to the planning system and the matter of
the 'TDS' will be raised at the appropriate moment.
- 'Cittaslow'
the Slow Town Network. Ludlow is the first UK town to be accepted within
the 'Slow Town' or 'Cittaslow' network and is also the headquarters of Cittaslow
UK and the Slow Food Convivium. This network was founded by Poala Saturnini,
Mayor of Greve-in-Chianti in Tuscany. It aims to enhance and ensure the
quality of life in its member towns. Ludlow's 'Cittaslow' initiative is
led by the Town Council and is fully supported by the Society with a member
on the steering committee.
- The Conservation
Area Advisory Committee The Society continues to comment on development
proposals in Ludlow aided by membership of this Committee.
Please
Email the Society with your comments and observations or let
us know what support you can give. You can also telephone (UK) +44 (0)7074-562369.
Thank you
May 2007
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