PLANS for 38 homes have been approved for a meadow in a village near Ross-on-Wye, despite being refused twice before.

Applicants MLN (Land &Properties) Ltd submitted a third outline planning application for up to 38 homes on land adjacent to the B4222 in Lea.

Herefordshire Council's planning committee heard that the previous reasons for refusal would be hard to defend at a planned appeal in May.

Councillors were also told that changes had been made to the application and the parish council now reluctantly agreed to the plans, but with conditions.

Paul Fountain, vice chairman of Lea parish council, said they still opposed development on this patch of land but had reluctantly decided to support it, following advice that the reasons for refusal would not stand up at appeal.

But they wanted conditions in place, which included carrying out an independent flood risk assessment as the land has a history of flash flooding, and developers consulting with the parish council with regards to housing design, layout and density.

Councillors heard improvements would be made to the B4222 junction with the main A40 Ross to Gloucester Road and there would be a contribution from developers for a flood attenuation scheme.

Cllr Emma Holton said: "I think it would be very difficult for us to let this go to appeal and turn it down because it will be at a cost to the council and they have put changes in and are following all of the processes."

Councillors voted in favour of the plans.