More than 160 object to 1,200 homes

More than 160 people have objected to plans to build 1,200 homes in Hereford.

The Church Commissioners for England’s wants to build the homes along with a health centre, primary school and shops on land at Three Elms.

Proposals to develop the site had originally been brought forward in 2016 and have now been altered after feedback from council officers, residents and businesses.

The development is proposed to be delivered in two phases with the first of which would include 580 new homes, a primary school for 210 pupils and a neighbourhood centre.

This phase also includes land for sports pitches, a 75-space park and choose car park at Roman Road and land potentially made available for the proposed bypass should councillors decide to proceed with it.

However, consultants working on the plans say approving it would not prejudice the council’s review of the Hereford Transport Plan.

The second phase includes the remaining 620 new houses, more than 24 acres of employment land and another 75-space park and choose car park off Kings Acre Road.

There is now a total of 170 objections against the scheme along with Breinton parish council who have called for it to be rejected.

Parish councillors, who considered the updated scheme at their meeting on October 14, said they were extremely disappointed that so little attention had been given to their previous representations.

They believe it should be rejected as it fails to comply with government policies and goes against the Church of England policy on reducing year-on-year emissions.

Emil Morfett, an objector, said: “This application is designed around car transportation and fails to adhere to the new standards for cycling infrastructure introduce by government this year.

“The proposed road junctions for access are totally inadequate for safe cycling.

“The road network infrastructure is unfit for the proposed additional city traffic.

“The proposed design is a backward-looking estate to maximise profit at the expense of local biodiversity and threatens future city dwellers with great flood risks.

“It also fails to recognise the impact of climate change on flood zones which are vulnerable to increasingly higher levels of rainfall.”

There are also four letters supporting the plans.

Thomas Card, one of the supporters, said it was great to see a development that would contribute with much needed facilities for the local area.

“I believe this is a great opportunity.

“Not only does it build a large number of much needed homes, but it also offers the potential for employment within the development, with the proposed commercial and leisure facilities.”

Council planners are expected to consider the plans  by January 6, 2021.