Go-ahead for new village park

A Herefordshire village has got the go-ahead to turn a field into a community park – but now needs to agree a design for it.

Yarpole Group Parish Council applied to turn the one-acre field immediately south of the cemetery, last used to graze sheep, “to recreational use as a community area”.

But the permission granted is for change of use only. Detailed plans for the site will still have to be submitted and approved before work can begin.

The parish council is now consulting residents on a “concept” for the field, its clerk Maggie Brown said.

“The vision is for an all-surface walkway around the open grass space, weaving in and out of shrubs and small trees, enhancing the user’s experience and providing a haven for wildlife,” she said.

It would also feature two play areas catering for all ages of children, and benches. The Herefordshire Community Foundation and Herefordshire

Council have made a £10,000 grant towards playground equipment, on condition it is used by next June.

Proposals can be viewed in St Leonard’s Church in the village until January 5.

Residents are then invited to a meeting, provisionally on the afternoon of January 23, to discuss the detailed planning application before it is submitted.