A NEW planning application to build three homes at Linney House in Ludlow has hit problems.

The scheme has resulted in objections from both the Environment Agency and Shropshire Council’s tree experts.

There are also local objections and Ludlow councillor Andy Boddington is also against the scheme.

The Environment Agency has objected to the scheme, saying it partly lies in the flood zone.

It says the sequential test must be applied. This asks whether there are alternative sites outside the flood plain that could be used for housing.

Should the test be satisfied, a new flood risk assessment must be completed.

Shropshire Council’s tree officer has recommended the scheme be refused.

The original scheme has been modified several times after initial approval:

Shropshire Council is considering placing tree protection orders on the remaining significant trees.

“This has always been a controversial development,” Andy Boddington said.

“It was approved when national planning rules dominated.

“The site is outside the development boundary. It is partly in the floodplain. Already, several valuable trees have been felled, some without the required permission from Shropshire Council. Now, the new application is shown to be deeply flawed.”