Could your land help shape Herefordshire’s future?

Herefordshire Council is inviting landowners, developers and other interested parties to put forward additional sites for consideration as work continues on the county’s new Local Plan.

The new Local Plan will guide how land is used across Herefordshire into the future, helping to identify suitable locations for new homes, employment, infrastructure, community facilities and environmental improvements.

The latest invitation is an opportunity for anyone who has or has not previously put land forward to have their site considered, particularly those with larger areas of land that could help meet the county’s future development needs. Sites that could accommodate, either on their own or in conjunction with neighbouring land, at least 500 new homes are of particular interest.

The council is also encouraging neighbouring landowners to consider whether working together could create additional opportunities.

For example, two adjoining parcels of land might have limitations when considered separately, perhaps because of access or infrastructure requirements. However, when considered together, they could potentially offer a more practical and sustainable opportunity for development.

By considering a wider range of sites, the council can make more informed decisions about how future growth might be accommodated, ensuring that all reasonable options are explored.

Herefordshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment, Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst, said:

“We’ve already received considerable interest through our Call for Sites process, which is encouraging. However, it’s important that we consider as wide a range of options as possible before making decisions about future development.

“I would particularly encourage anyone with larger areas of land not previously put forward, or who believes there may be opportunities to work with neighbouring landowners, to consider making a submission.

“This is about making sure we have the information we need to plan carefully and make the best possible decisions for Herefordshire’s future.”

Alongside this exercise, the council is also inviting submissions of potential sites for minerals and waste development. This separate Call for Sites will run at the same time and is aimed particularly at businesses, landowners and operators working in these specialist sectors. The council will be contacting relevant organisations directly to encourage submissions.

The Call for Sites is an evidence-gathering exercise. Submitting land does not mean it will automatically be allocated for development or granted planning permission. All submissions will be assessed as part of the Local Plan process.

Landowners, developers, agents, parish councils and other interested parties are invited to submit sites for consideration at the earliest possible convenience, and no later than 10 December.

For further information, including how to submit a site, visit the council's website.