Council response

Thank you for your petition received on 8 November 2018 Centenary Field Support – Queenswood Drive.

Herefordshire Council is very proud of the county’s military connections and supportive of the many events and memorials that take place within the county that reflect the sacrifices made in all military conflicts. There are many memorials across the county that enables communities and individuals to take part in quiet reflection.

As you are aware the site identified in the petition was part of the Hereford Area Plan consultation that closed on the 8th October 2018. Until the outcome of that consultation has been fully evaluated, Herefordshire Council is unable to consider your request and complete the application form by the 11th November.

However I have spoken to the fields in trust team and they will be accepting applications to the end of the year and possibly after that. The council will also have to go through its own governance and decision making process to initiate this project and it will be dependent on the outcome of the consultation.

We have also reviewed other sites within the parish of Tupsley which may be of benefit and suggest that either all or part of the community space at Tupsley Quarry may be a more appropriate site. This is a much larger area and well used by the community as well as adjacent parishes and visitors. It is also closer to the existing war memorial, more central in the parish and therefore more accessible to a greater number of people. I note from the community group website there are two remembrance benches already situated at that site. This alternative would also need to go through the council’s governance process and the site is not subject to any consultation.

I do hope that you find the contents of this response positive and subject to the consultation’s evaluation and results, the site could be considered at a later date and in advance of next July’s 100th anniversary of peace.

HELEN BEALE
SENIOR ESTATE MANAGER