Labour Party members oppose city bypass plans

Labour Party members say they cannot support the current proposals for a Hereford bypass west of the city.

Members of the Hereford and South Herefordshire group, who recently met with infrastructure cabinet member Philip Price, say they are also concerned about Herefordshire Council’s ability to secure government funding for the project.

Anna Coda, vice-chairman, said the group recognised the city’s congestion problem but noted that the council’s own traffic studies have shown that much of this disappears during school holidays and that over 85% of traffic is not ‘through traffic’.

She said: “We fear that the substantial house building associated with the plans will add to traffic congestion and will create future demands for services and facilities that the council is not in a financial position to meet.

“We doubt that much of the additional housing will be genuinely affordable to many people currently living in Herefordshire.”

Council leader Jonathan Lester said consultations concerning the bypass have established broad support for it across the community.

He said: “The most recent round of consultation showed that 59% of responses agreed that a bypass should form part of our Hereford Transport Package.

“We are pursuing a number of funding opportunities, working closely with government departments and agencies, to ensure that we can deliver the scheme in line with the timescales set out in our core strategy.”

A council spokesperson said their growth strategy includes an increase in housing provision, more land for businesses and employment opportunities and the necessary supporting infrastructure.

He said: “This strategy is based on several years of development including the establishment of a clear evidence base, consultation with local residents and stakeholders and consideration of alternative options.

“The strategy incorporates support for a number of exciting major developments and initiatives which will help boost the local economy including: Hereford Enterprise Zone; the regeneration of Hereford City Centre; development of the new university (NMiTE); and strategic housing developments to provide a balanced supply of housing across the county, including a target that 35% of new housing on applicable sites qualifies as affordable housing.*

“The extensive technical work carried out demonstrates that a Hereford bypass will be required in the coming years to support growth aspirations and enable these major developments to move forward.”