SHROPSHIRE Council planners have given permission for Western Power Distribution to move its depot to a new site between the Eco Park and Western Power Distribution’s substation on Squirrel Lane.

Vehicle access will be from the Eco Park spine road.

The company has operated from an unsuitable location in The Riddings, Sandpits for decades.

Its 1960s depot is set behind a new row of social housing recently built on the site of the former tax office. Western Power Distribution maintenance trucks must travel along St Margaret Road and Parys Road to leave the depot.

They often travel past Ludlow Infants School when children are arriving or leaving.

Now the company is to move out of town.

“This is a good move,” said Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North.

The new facility will have two two-storey buildings housing a distribution centre and office accommodation, including conference rooms and archive stores, along with staff facilities.

“Access will be through the Eco Park, though this was initially resisted by Shropshire Council’s economic development team,” added Mr Boddington.

“It regarded the extra traffic as inappropriate for a business park. The depot will accommodate more than 100 truck and car parking spaces.

“Twenty-five electric vehicle chargers will be installed “to enable the procurement of electric vehicles when suitable commercial models become available.

“There is no mention of charging points for workers’ cars. The depot will receive one delivery of materials a week using a 40-ton articulated vehicle.

“There will be around 100 other vehicle movements Monday to Friday. This will substantially increase the traffic through the Eco Park.

“The scheme of 64 homes approved to the south of

the Western Power Distribution depot will be accessed directly from Sheet Road.”