VICTORIAN buildings which civic campaigners feared would be lost with the sale of Herefordshire Council's former Bath Street offices are here to stay, a developer has said.

Herefordshire Housing held its second consultation on its plans for the site last Thursday with the buildings – which have been empty since the council relocated in 2014 – now set to become quality homes.

The not-for-profit housing provider for Herefordshire purchased the 1.88 acre site from the council earlier this year and says the Victorian buildings will remain in place.

Although the buildings are not listed they play an important part in the character of Hereford, constructed in 1877 to answer the city’s desire to support and care for local orphans.

Christine Duggan, director of housing and development at Herefordshire Housing, said: "The buildings are historic examples of Victorian architecture and philanthropy.

"Our proposals ensure they’re preserved for future generations while also fulfilling our city’s need for quality housing."

The team from Herefordshire Housing is now working through the public consultation feedback, ready to submit a planning application in the next couple of weeks.

Ms Duggan said: "Nothing is set in stone, these proposals are still very much artistic impressions of how it could look.

"When plans are confirmed, details including the number of homes, parking spaces and final design will be known."