Plans for 90 village homes approved

County planners have given the go-ahead to build up to 90 homes in a village near Hereford.

Engie Regeneration Ltd and Stonewater Developments Ltd scheme to build on land off Kingstone Road in Clehonger was considered by Herefordshire Council’s planning committee today.

The council had originally rejected the scheme, but permission was granted for the site after a planning appeal in 2016.

And councillors have now approved the proposed appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale for the development.

A range of traditional building materials are proposed for the new homes, such as brick, render and stone to reflect the mix across the village.

Councillor Terry James proposed approving the scheme and Tony Johnson reluctantly seconded his motion.

“I find myself extremely disappointed with this whole application,” coun Johnson said.

“It just seems like an attempt to squeeze as many houses as you can get on the available space.

“However, as I understand it, I cannot see any clear reason to refuse this application if I could, I would be putting it forward and opposing it.

“I can’t see anyway we could stop it as it is.”

Councillor Toni Fagan asked for conditions for water harvesting and a 100% hedgehog access is incorporated in the garden fencing to be placed on the planning permission.

While Mark Millmore said he feared if they rejected the proposals they would win on appeal and it would cost the council.

Ward councillor David Hitchiner said the proposals may be an opportunity for people to get on the housing ladder.

“I do hope we only end up with 35% social houses and the other properties because they are cheaper than the rest of the market there may be an opportunity for those to be sold privately.”

A total of 11 councillors voted in favour of the proposals while two votesd against and there was one abstention.