Emergency services concerns prompt homes plan delay

County planners have deferred deciding controversial plans for homes in Ross-on-Wye over emergency service access concerns.

Herefordshire Council’s planning committee considered the scheme for 32 homes on land next to Cawdor Gardens but could not come to a decision on whether to keep the iconic railway bridge.

Council officers had recommended demolishing the bridge to widen the access to the site for emergency services and allow for a footway.

But some 50 residents along with Ross town council have objected to the scheme and voiced strong opposition to the removal of the railway arch.

Town councillors say no evidence has been submitted stating that it needs to be removed for fire and rescue service reasons.

Ross West councillor Richard Mayo said in a written statement that he agreed with the majority of objectors.

“It would be a great shame to have this iconic landmark of Ross wiped away forever to make access easier for the potential developer,” he said.

“There are very few traces left of the railways in Ross and this is one of the last sandstone arch remaining on this stretch of the GWR and it is in a highly visible and well used thoroughfare.”

He explained that the site has had a number of applications submitted over the years with the last one in 2017 being withdrawn.

“It was not withdrawn before highways had agreed that the removal the arch was not necessary to allow access to the site,” he said.

“Instead a priority system where the traffic entering the site would have priority would be acceptable and this system would have the added benefit of slowing down traffic coming down the hill towards the junction at the bottom of the hill.

“So it would seem that it is possible to develop this site and retain the railway arch. In fact I think the arch could add some interest and uniqueness to the site.”

Coun Dave Greenow said he felt the whole application hanged on whether the development was viable with retaining the arch or not.

An initial proposal to approve the scheme was rejected by six votes against four with two abstentions.

But a subsequent suggestion by coun Roger Phillips to defer any decision until they have consulted with the emergency services was back by 11 votes for it and one abstention.

Coun Phillips said: “Clearly, if emergency services come back and a say obstruction because of the height here is a danger to public health well one has to go with that.

“Unless there is a veto from the emergency services then I think the archway should remain.”