Planners approve construction access plans for southern link road

Council planners have approved proposals which will allow the construction of Hereford’s southern link road.

The proposals submitted by Herefordshire Council sought permission to build a temporary haulage route.

The scheme also included minor alterations including the creation of new accesses, field gates, changes to property boundaries and drainage arrangements.

The council received a total of 37 letters objecting to the proposals from individuals, groups and organisations including the Woodland Trust.

The objections included concerns over the work’s impact upon Hayleasow Wood and Grafton Wood and pollution risks to Newtown Brook.

Many concerns were also raised about the impact the scheme will have on the Route 46 of the National Cycle Network.

The change to the route between Hereford and Abergavenny would force cyclists up the unmade Merryhill Lane.

And residents also fear the new access points onto the Clehonger Road would be equally dangerous.

A total of 11 councillors voted for the scheme on September 25, with two against and another two abstaining.