Council chiefs to explore affordable housing scheme at football ground

Hereford FC fans may be able to watch their side play live matches from the comfort of their own living room in future if proposals to rebuild the Blackfriars End include new homes.

Herefordshire Council leaders have agreed to look into the possibility of building 115 units of affordable housing at Edgar Street.

And cabinet members say they will look into the set-up at Leyton Orient FC where they have built a 116 unit housing development and a new stand.

The Tommy Johnston South Stand at the League Two side’s Brisbane Road home has flats which back onto it and there are blocks of flats in the four corners of the ground.

The council has been considering redeveloping Blackfriars Street and the site had been earmarked for a £14.375m refurbishment which focused on providing student and/or key worker accommodation, a community room and new stands.

But county council leaders have not made a decision on those plans which were expected to be approved last March.

Hereford resident Thomas Pincham asked last week’s cabinet meeting if the council were committed to maintaining a four-sided ground at Edgar Street should they proceed with any redevelopment.

“Will the Cabinet Member today re-affirm this commitment to the many Bulls extremely worried at the prospect of Hereford FC losing the required ground standards needed to return to professional football in League 2?” He asked.

“Noting the council wants 115 units located on Blackfriars Street, will the Cabinet Member also personally commit to learning from the development at Leyton Orient FC which saw the development of a 116 unit affordable housing development and a 1,300 seat stand?”

Cabinet member Ellie Chowns said she is a mother of a semi-professional footballer and was very keen on supporting the club.

“I wasn’t aware of Leyton Orient FC’s development but I will absolutely commit to looking into that.”

Housing, regulatory services, and community safety cabinet member Ange Tyler said consultants Engie would look into a list of council-owned sites to see if they are feasible for affordable housing.

“There is a critical need for sustainable, affordable and high quality homes is essential to meet the needs of our local residents.

“We need to improve their quality of life and let them live in homes which meet zero carbon targets.”