Cabinet to consider Hereford Bypass consultation on routes

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet will next week consider proposals to commence the next stage of public consultation on the Hereford Transport Package, which includes the Hereford Bypass and associated walking, cycling, bus and public realm improvements.

The consultation will provide valuable feedback to inform the future decision on the preferred route for the bypass and other travel measures.

Subject to Cabinet approving the process, the consultation period will consist of events to provide the opportunity to view proposals and feedback for residents, landowners and the public in early February.

Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member Infrastructure said: “There has been talk of a bypass for Hereford for as long as I can remember. Since the 1960s Herefordshire Council has had aspirations to deliver the project; never quite making it across the finishing line.”

“In 2018, there is a real appetite, both locally and regionally, to improve connectivity to the West Midlands, South Wales and consequently, the rest of the UK, to create the infrastructure to facilitate business growth, to build new housing, develop better options for walking and cycling and alleviate Hereford’s traffic congestion problems.”

““Extensive work has taken place since we consulted on the scheme in April 2017. The core strategy corridor has been surveyed and assessed and we have gathered information on homes, businesses, heritage sites, woodland, landscape and conservation sites which we have considered in detail. Other areas we have looked at include impacts on flooding, noise and air quality.”

“This information has helped us to consider a long list of route corridors. These have all been assessed to produce a short list which will be considered further following consultation with local people and businesses. This is an opportunity for the public to shape how we move forward.”

Douglas Barrat, Chairman Invest Herefordshire added: “Hereford is at a crossroads, there are two directions the city and wider county can take; one route is to growth, investment, job creation and house building, leading to a sustainable future for generations to come. The other route is not such a bright prospect.

“The Hereford Bypass is the most significant infrastructure development the county has ever seen and the biggest opportunity to secure the future of our communities and businesses.

“I urge those businesses based in Hereford to make sure they get involved in this next stage of consultation and help to shape the business landscape for years to come.”