Delayed plans for 40 homes approved

A long-delayed plan to build up to 40 new homes alongside part of the A49 in Herefordshire has gained initial approval.

The homes, some of them affordable, are to be built on a field between the A49 and Bell Homes' The Spires development in Moreton on Lugg.

Local resident Crawford Richard Perkins is behind the application, which was delayed due to called a moratorium on development in the protected River Lugg catchment.

It has now been approved after a deal was agreed between Perkins and Herefordshire Council whereby he will pay for wastewater improvements in the county.

The plans, first approved in 2017, drew more than 50 public objections, while Moreton on Lugg Parish Council said locals were "greatly concerned about the impact on sewerage and drainage within the village", along with the impact of increased traffic and access to the A49 junction.

Perkins will buy "phosphate credits" valued at £94,640, which will pay for wastewater improvements.

The deal also commits him to make a contribution to local health, education, transport, libraries and waste, and to give priority to local families in allocating the affordable housing element, set at 35% of the eventual houses.

Welcoming the affordable share, planning officer Ollie Jones concluded that the scheme "constitutes a logical extension" of the village.

The road access, via current cul-de-sacs in The Spires rather than directly off the A49, coupled with pedestrian links to the bus stop on the main road, were "appropriate", while the application "satisfactorily addresses surface water management", Jones wrote.

Details of the house designs, layout and landscaping must now be separately agreed under what is known as a reserved matters application.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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