A long-standing planning saga in Ledbury has come to an end after officials opted to grant permission for seven homes near to the town centre.
Herefordshire Council’s northern area planning sub-committee gave the green light for the proposal, which will involve the construction of seven two-storey homes to the rear of the Homend Service Station.
The plot has been the subject of controversy in the past with two separate applications causing unrest amongst local residents.
Plans for six townhouses on the site were withdrawn in 2004 after objections from residents of nearby Dawes Court while a proposal for 13 apartments was refused on appeal last year.
Occupiers of seven properties in the immediate area objected saying the latest development raising concerns that the development would destroy views.
Concerns were also expressed at the site’s proximity to the petrol station although two letters of support were received from another local resident.
Planning officer Roland Close has advised that due to the site’s drainage, no development can begin before details are submitted.
Mr Close has also recommended that the issue of land stability should be dealt with by the Council’s Building Control Section, under building regulations.
All of the houses will have three bedrooms and have been designed so the main living areas face away from “noise and odour” sources.
A planning gain sum of £47,030 has been agreed by the applicant P.Win Developments to be divided between play area equipment, sports facilities, education, sustainable transport and library provision in the area.
