APPLICATIONS for two major housing developments which would have seen 195 new homes built in the county were turned down by planners last week.

Members of Herefordshire Council’s planning committee refused plans for 135 new homes off Aylestone Hill and 60 homes in Bartestree.

Bovis Homes was requesting permission to put the 135 homes – 46 of which were to be affordable – on land to the east of Aylestone Hill along with public open space, new access and landscaping.

And despite a recommendation by the council’s officer to approve the plan receiving support from ward Councillor Nick Nenadich, the planning committeerefused permission.

The application site is close to the Lugg and Hampton Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest, drawing concerns from Herefordshire Nature Trust in regard to a potential pollution risk to the meadow and water courses.

Councillor Nenadich admitted he had “no doubt” the application would polarise views but said it appeared to actually act as a betterment.

“When you talk about 135 houses it does make you swallow,” he added. “But we need houses. Hereford is the principle economic generator for the county.”

But Cllr Felicity Norman said she “despaired” that the committee was once again being faced with an application in an area that would ube compromised by any development.

Seven councillors voted to refuse the application while four voted in favour and two abstained.

At the same meeting, plans for 60 new homes in Bartestree were also rejected.

Ward member Cllr Dave Greenow said the development would “fundamentally alter the character of the area”.

Cllr Bob Matthews added: “It’s sad to see developers persistently pushing large applications when they know the views of local members and residents.”