'Almost all' villagers against Weobley homes plan (From Hereford Times)

'Almost all' villagers against Weobley homes plan

7:00am Friday 18th January 2013 in News

Bill Brenner pictured beside the field where the affordable homes are planned

THE vast majority of people living in a picturesque Herefordshire village are against plans for a new housing estate, according to an action group.

Eight affordable homes could be built on land in Weobley after planning permission was submitted earlier this month.

But a group set up to oppose the proposal says 91 per cent of village householders would not welcome the development.

“We did a petition of every house in Weobley,” said Bill Brenner, one of 35 Weobley Action Group members.

“We were very surprised by the results and want to lodge an objection on behalf of the people of Weobley who have objected – which is most of them.

“Everyone does genuinely use the site.

“We are not against Herefordshire Council or affordable housing in any way. It’s the principle of the land use change that we are against.”

But the applicant refutes the objection saying a housing needs survey held in the village showed a demand for affordable homes.

“The county council surveyed Weobley residents to ask if there was anyone requiring social housing and 11 said they would be," said Debbie Brookes, director at applicant DB Land and Planning Consultancy.

She said the site has good access and is close to local amenities.