PLANS for a housing development in Bromyard have been approved – after years of disagreement.

Marsten Developments’ pitch includes plans for 76 houses, six industrial units and an office at Porthouse Farm, off Tenbury Road.

The proposal, which has been scaled back from a first application featuring 175 houses, was backed at a Herefordshire Council planning committee meeting yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

After the first application was turned down, a further scheme for 127 homes was also rejected. But the developers have finally been given the go-ahead after councillors unanimously backed the latest proposal.

Roger Page, chairman of Bromyard and Winslow Town Council, said: “I believe this is an example of true localism. It gives much needed housing to the town and returns to the developer a significant proportion of industrial land.”

Councillor Alan Seldon, ward member for Bromyard, said he was glad a compromise had been found.

He added: “This has caused untold damage to the relationship between the community of Bromyard and Herefordshire Council for a number of years.

“I believe this is a very good compromise for the good of the town and, with the provision of some industrial units, the developer is getting some kind of return for their investment.”