Site for a mixed use development including the erection of up to 625 new homes (including affordable housing), up to 2.9 hectares of b1 employment land, a canal corridor, public open space (including a linear park), access, drainage and ground modelling works and other associated works.

The Committee deferred consideration of the application to give the applicant time to amend the application to include a second access point through the viaduct.

(Site for a mixed use development including the erection of up to 625 new homes (including affordable housing), up to 2.9 hectares of B1 employment land, a canal corridor, public open space (including a linear park), access, drainage and ground modelling works and other associated works.)

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr J Bannister, of Ledbury Town Council and Mr D Williams of Wellington Heath Parish Council spoke in opposition to the scheme.  Mr R Gates, a local resident, spoke in objection.  Mr N Rawlings, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member and adjoining ward members were invited to speak.

Adjoining ward member Councillor I’Anson made the following principal comments. The scheme had benefits.  The development had been carefully planned.  It would provide much needed affordable housing.  There was a good housing mix meeting local need.  The provision of employment land also contributed to the sustainability of the development.  The site was close to the railway station.  The reinstatement of a section of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal would provide an attractive feature and the tow path would provide a safe walking and cycling route towards the Town’s allotments on the Bromyard Road. It might also offer opportunities for partnerships with local colleges and craft apprenticeships.  There were good walking and cycling links to the Primary School, Town Centre and recreational facilities.  The developer contribution to development of the primary school and sports facilities and expansion of health care facilities was welcome.  The extension of the linear riverside park was also welcome.

On the other hand there were some concerns.  The site was in a category 1 flood zone.  However, there was concern that flood risk was increasing.  A water mill had previously been adjacent to the site.  However, access was the principal issue.  The proposed access was too far from the town centre so there would be increased car journeys.  Pedestrian use of the Bromyard road was currently an issue.

Adjoining ward member Councillor Howells read out a detailed submission.  A copy is included within the schedule of updates appended to these minutes.  In summary, he commented that there was not opposition in principle to the development.  However, the proposal that there should be a single access of the B4214 Bromyard Road was not acceptable.  A second access should be provided from the A438 Leadon Way/Hereford Road roundabout.

Councillor Harvey, the local ward member, then spoke on the application.  She made the following principal comments.  The access to the site was the principal issue. The Deer Park estate to the south of the Town had been developed with a single access and this had caused considerable difficulties within the community. A second access at the other end of the estate had eventually been provided.  The Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48