Shropshire Council has rejected claims that the former Costa Coffee shop in Ludlow town centre poses a danger to the public, though it admits the property is in poor condition and due for repairs.
Concerns were raised by Ludlow Town Council, which said the building on King Street had become “dangerously dilapidated” and could present a safety risk to pedestrians. The council urged Shropshire Council’s Building Control Team to take immediate action under the Building Act 1984 “before an avoidable accident occurs”.
The shop, located at 4–5 King Street, has stood empty since May 2023, when Costa Coffee closed its doors. In recent months, residents and councillors have voiced frustration at the building’s crumbling exterior, describing it as an eyesore in the heart of the town.
Shropshire Council has now confirmed that officers recently met with the property’s owner and a surveyor to assess the site. While acknowledging that the exterior is in a poor state, the council insists the structure is not considered dangerous.
A spokesperson said council officers carried out both internal and external inspections last month.
“The outside is in poor condition, and we know people in the town are concerned about it,” the spokesperson said.
“We have advised the owner that they need to carry out repairs soon, and they have agreed to do so once scaffolding is in place.”
According to the council, the owner also intends to repaint parts of the building and carry out broader improvements once specialised scaffolding can be erected. The work will include plans to refurbish and reuse the entire property, including the adjoining former bank building.
“The owner plans to repair and reuse the whole building,” the spokesperson added. “They want to convert the upper floors into homes, with commercial units on the ground floor. They are now working with architects on designs and expect to share those plans with us soon.”
A follow-up inspection by building control officers last week confirmed that, while maintenance work is needed, the structure does not meet the legal definition of a dangerous building.
Residents and local businesses have welcomed news that repairs are finally expected to begin, though some remain concerned about the building’s appearance and the length of time it has stood empty in one of Ludlow’s busiest streets.
