AN application to build 12 affordable homes in Much Birch has been refused by Herefordshire Council's planning committee.

Councillors voted unanimously against, what ward member councillor Jon Norris called, a "weak" application for the development on Tump Lane.

The applicant wanted to erect a mixture of two and three bed houses on the land.

But concerns were raised about pedestrian access to the site, with the only proposed footpath linking to the neighbouring village of Wormelow.

It was what Councillor Mark Hubbard described as "frustrating" and "bizarre".

He added that those likely to live in the affordable homes would have children and would require access to the local school, with no safe way of doing so.