THE expansion of a retreat that has attracted visitors for nine years is seen as a boost to the local economy, writes CATHERINE SHOVLIN.

Herefordshire Council's planning officers have been delegated to approve proposals for the Vipassana Meditation Centre, at Harewood End.

It would see the present 'rundown' buildings demolished and an enlarged meditation centre built, later including new accommodation for students and teachers and offices.

Vipassana teaches meditative techniques, with most of its 10-day courses full.

The meditation centre will have a curved roof and stand next to a circular building with a low domed roof. Although not 'wholly typical', the planning officer does not consider the shape would be 'out of character' in the rural location.

A landscape officer said the buildings would be an improvement on the existing ones that can be seen from Pencoyd and would eventually be screened by growing trees and shrubs.

Expansion would bring rewards for the county in terms of visitors to the centre spending money in the area and returning for a holiday to 'enjoy the area's natural beauty and peaceful character', the officer's report stated.

Concerns over traffic have been allayed by the fact that, once arriving at Harewood End, students do not leave until completing the course.

One letter of objection was submitted asking that, if granting permission, planners be 'equally supportive of farm diversification projects' arising from the agricultural crisis.