Ex-bishop objects to Ross-on-Wye homes plan

County planners went against the views of a former bishop of Hereford yesterday and approved plans for eight new homes near Ross-on-Wye.

Former bishop Anthony Priddis spoke at Herefordshire Council’s planning committee meeting objecting to the proposed scheme at Little Fields in Bridstow.

Mr Priddis, who held the highest office at the Hereford diocese between 2004 and 2013, was one of the 24 residents who raised concerns over road safety, flooding and the development’s impact on the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“We remain deeply concerned with the extra traffic eight houses and maybe 16 cars would bring,” he said.

“The lane is narrow and will have extra traffic from houses in Sellack, Hoarwithy and Bridstow.

“It is quite impossible for a car and a heavy goods vehicle let alone a tractor to pass there.

“The corner is a blind one and already very dangerous with no pavement.

“The Little Fields site is outside the existing settlement boundary and in open agricultural fields.

“I regret to say we think these are the wrong houses in the wrong place.”

But Bridstow Parish Council chairman Jenny Collin said they did not object to the proposals which consists of four three-bed homes and four four-bed houses along with roads, parking and landscaping.

“The council is aware of the need for the supply for new houses to meet the demand for sustainable development within the parish,” she said.

“There are many difficulties and constraints due to the nature of the area.

“These include the A40 and A49 roads, the AONB designation, flooding along the River Wye and the many narrow tracks and lanes.

“The council feels the application at Little Fields will provide much needed housing for families.

“The site adjoins existing residential developments and conforms to the parish council’s policy of building new houses in small clusters near to existing properties.”

Architect Rachel Hare said the plans would create a distinctively rural, high quality, sustainable housing scheme which enhances the village.

“Our aim was to undertake an exemplar process developing the site including using the previously developed neighbourhood plan as a design guide,” she said.

Planning officers recommended approving the scheme which they said conformed with their core strategy, it would contribute towards Bridstow’s target of 57 homes and would enhance the village within the AONB.

Officer Carl Brace said: “As of April 1, 2018, we have only had ten full commitments. Seven of which are made of planning permissions and three of which have now been completed.

“The principal constraints within this parish are the highways, the AONB designation, flooding and road water.”

The plans were approved with 12 votes in favour and one against.