Plans for 50 homes in Weobley approved

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Thursday, 20 December 2018 14:36

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

County planners last week approved a scheme to build 50 homes in a North Herefordshire village.

The proposals for land at Burton Wood in Weobley will include 35% affordable houses, an informal open space and a new access point from Pepper Plock Ley.

But the plans were met with strong opposition from the local community with more than 120 objections including those from Weobley parish council and the Woodland Trust.

Paul Russell, parish clerk, said the extra homes would take the village ‘well over its allocated target growth of 83
houses, of which 80 had already been met’.

“There was no demonstrable need for an additional 50 houses in Weobley,” he said.

“The lack of local employment would inevitably mean an increase in commuter journeys adding extra strain on an already stretched local highway network.”

Jack Taylor, of the Woodland Trust, said they would object until trees on the site were afforded appropriate buffer zones in line with Natural England’s guidance.

“We consider that any development resulting in damage to such trees is inappropriate and must ensure their full protection,” he said.

Speaking at the planning committee meeting on December 18, councillor David Greenow asked about the possibility of deferring the decision until the neighbourhood plan had progressed.

He said deferment would allow those comments to be analysed by the council.

“Having said that, I am aware that we could be up for non determination.” he said.

“I think there might be a different outcome if it were deferred.”

But legal officers warned that this would put them at risk of non-determination which could cost the local authority.

The committee instead proposed to approved the scheme which was carried with eight votes in favour and six against.