Woolhope plan is turned down

1:30pm Sunday 20th January 2008

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PLANS to build affordable housing in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been refused.

Following a survey of Woolhope residents, Kemble Housing submitted plans for six two-bedroom homes on land next to 10 St George's.

But Herefordshire councillors criticised the scheme for having inadequate access and drainage, and for being sited in a conservation area.

Doubts were raised, too, over the accuracy of the results of the survey.

Councillor Tessa McLean, whose ward covers Woolhope, said: "An assumption was made in terms of how many houses were needed. Fifty per cent of people replied to the survey and four expressed a need for a new house. They have simply multiplied the results by two."

Peter Yates, the council's development control officer, said planning officers would be working with Kemble Housing on re-submitting the application with modifications.