Go-ahead for village housing plan

County planners have given the go-ahead to build nine village homes despite objections from North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin and dozens of residents.

David Greer wants to develop the land between Millennium Hall and Leeward House in Upton Bishop.

His plans include four starter homes, three family homes, which could be self-build plots, and two bungalows which would allow residents to downsize and remain in the village.

But the proposals drew more than 30 objections from local people including Mr Wiggin and the parish council

The Conservative Party MP said the scheme is too large for the village.

“We do not think there is mains sewerage as stated in the application,” he said.

“There is a pond in our field next to the applicant’s property which we would like to keep clean and sewage run off would pollute it.

“There is room for one or two homes rather than nine.”

Residents raised concerns over road safety, noise from the nearby village hall, the properties would not be in keeping with the village and the lack of mains sewers in the area.

However, planning officers recommended approving the scheme subject to conditions. They said there is a shortfall of housing sites in the village.

Councillor Mark Millmore proposed approving the plans and this was seconded by coun David Summers at yesterday’s (August 26) meeting. The scheme was approved with 10 votes for it, two abstentions and one against.