PLANS to build five town houses in Ludlow's Pepper Lane have been thrown out by district planners.

Shopkeepers near the proposed site had complained that building work would severely affect their businesses. Ludlow Town Council also objected saying the proposed houses would be an over-extensive and excessive development.

South Shropshire district council's development committee also refused planning permission on the grounds that no archaeological survey had been done at the site, which dates back to the 12th century. The site also lies within the Ludlow Conservation Area.