I have objected to this application. See below.
An application for listed building consent has been made by Pegasus Group on behalf of SEP Properties to replace some of the front windows of 4-5 King Street (26/02227/LBC). This is a little progress with this Ludlow eyesore but is a long way from the full application to bring the building back into use. SEP have told Stuart Anderson MP that a full application will go to pre-application consultation with Shropshire Council in the coming months. That’s exactly what I was told in January 2024 and on many occasions since.
The current application is stalling not progress. We need to see a full application to convert the properties into apartments with retail units at street level. Not just an application to replace some of the windows.
The work on the windows only applies to the front of No. 4 and the Buttercross elevation of No. 5. It is not clear whether the windows
Most replacement window works on this type do not require external scaffolding. The recent tasteful replacement of windows on No. 9 Castle Street was achieved without scaffolding.
If scaffolding is required, it should have a very limited licence. When SEP Properties repaired the façade over the winter, scaffolding was in place for six months but workers were on site for just a few days. That cannot happen again and any scaffolding licence must be for a very limited period. No more than a month.
Another thing SEP Properties could do at no great cost to itself is to repair the broken plate glass window and clean up the other windows. The windows would look great with a vinyl covering with some artistry that reflected the historic character and landscape beauty of Ludlow. Or even its vibrant cultural life. That would help market the property.
Historical
The application is accompanied by a thorough assessment of the complex history, fabric and historical importance of the building.
“Although occupying a site of market infilling dating back to the medieval period, the present buildings making up Nos. 4-5 King Street, whilst being an interesting complex of 18th and 19th buildings, are of no great historic value in their own right.
“Externally, the King Street facades make a subdued but important contribution to the streetscape of central Ludlow. The rather undistinguished and much altered rear elevations are of limited significance and could be altered sympathetically without significantly impacting on the character of the adjacent churchyard.
“They have been too altered within to retain much of their historic character, fixtures or fittings.
“Whilst the original fabric does survive in the brick and stud walls at this level, none are of great age or relative importance.
“Much of the internal décor is of 20th century origin, and most of the earlier decoration has been removed. Only a few doors, windows and surrounds have survived – and these, should, of course be retained or reused elsewhere in the building wherever possible.”
Objection to application to replace front windows of former Costa Coffee
Submitted to Shropshire Council 4 July 2026
I object to this application. It is stalling not progress.
The work on the windows only applies to the front of No. 4 and the west elevation of No. 5. A visual inspection shows that the windows on the south elevation of No. 5 also need replacing. Those on the rear of the properties also need work.
There is no methodology statement with the application but replacement of the windows is likely to require external scaffolding. Scaffolding was in place from late October 2025 to the beginning of May 2026. It caused considerable obstruction to pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs who were forced into the road. Only a few days work were done during this period to patch the facade, with a few hours surveying the windows later on.
This a Grade II listed building in a conservation area that has suffered from a lack of maintenance and a lack of interest from the current owner. It is an eyesore that is damaging to the historic interest of King Street, the main route by which pedestrians, cars and coaches approach the town centre.
We urgently need to see a full application to convert the properties into apartments with retail units at street level. Not just an application to replace some of the windows but not all.
If a full application to bring the building back into use is delayed, all the windows at the front and back of No.4 and No. 5 should be repaired and the facade made good. That includes the plate glass shop windows. These would look great with a vinyl covering with some artistry that reflected the historic character, the landscape beauty and vibrant cultural life of Ludlow. That would help market the property.