COUNCILLORS debating a controversial plan for a butchery and shop in a Herefordshire hamlet were told that refusal would lead to astronomical costs in an appeal, writes CATHERINE SHOVLIN.

Some members of Herefordshire Council's planning sub-committee had warmed to the proposal after changes had been made based on reasons for it first being turned down.

The project will be given the green light, with conditions, when some finer details have been tied up.

But there were still those who were against having Meadowland Meats set up a butchery and shop at Phocle Farm.

The council's public gallery was filled with people eager to hear the outcome of the re-application. Thirty letters of objection had been submitted along with a 36-name petition.

The council had originally blocked the scheme citing traffic concerns and narrow roads as the basis for its objections.

But in the reapplication, passing places have been allocated and access changed which officers said would safely allow for the anticipated traffic levels.

Councillor Joyce Davis was still not satisfied that the new changes were adequate to manage the extra traffic, however.

Other concerns raised by local people had been the high risk of e-coli infection created by a butchery and working farmyard close together, a claim made by a microbiology expert.

Suggestions that approval for this plan would see the business continue to expand on the farm were raised by objectors. Councillor Mark Cunningham opposed it because of its scale.

Adding support to that put forward by the chamber of commerce was Councillor Nigel Davis. "The farming community is going through a difficult period. I believe this is a good way to get pure British meat on the market and once again we will know what we are eating."