AN urban extension earmarked for Hereford would have a "devastating effect" on the area, a leading opposition councillor has warned.

Independent party leader Cllr Bob Matthews says the Church Commissioners' idea for more than 1,000 homes, employment land and park-and-ride scheme in Three Elms would have an adverse impact on the "tranquil and relaxing" area.

"It has been widely accepted nationally that high quality agricultural land should be protected, and we are frequently reminded by politicians and church leaders of a potential world wide food shortage," said Cllr Bob Matthews.

"It is therefore unforgivable that the Church Commissioners, of all people, are behind this project."

He said he accepts the need for more housing but believes most of this demand could be met by brownfield sites close to the city centre if large businesses could be encouraged to relocate to out-of-town business zones.

"The huge sums of money raised [by this] could provide new factories, improved staff facilities, and at the same time remove a large number of heavy vehicles and other traffic from the already congested city centre," he added.

"The residents from the new houses would then be within walking or cycling distance of the city centre facilities.

"This, in my view, is sustainable development, and a far more positive way of dealing with and progressing our housing problems.

"It is quite alarming to imagine the devastating effect that this development will have on what is, at present, a very tranquil and relaxing area for walkers and cyclists alike."

He also voiced concerns that initial drawings of the site plan by developers mentions the city's planned western relief road.

"May I take this opportunity of reminding them that, as yet, no such relief road has been approved, and with the cost rapidly soaring towards a figure approaching £200m it would appear to be wishful thinking on their part to say the least," he added.

As reported in last week's Hereford Times, the Church Commissioners - a wing of the Church of England responsible for its investment portfolio - are drawing up plan for 1,080 homes on land stretching from the border of Whitecross School up to the Roman Road next to the Beech Business Park and out to the new livestock market.

It would then run south to Kings Acre Road stretching either side of Huntingdon Lane.

A planning application is likely to be submitted this summer.