BOVIS Homes is appealing against Herefordshire Council's refusal of plans to build 135 houses behind Aylestone Hill near to the Lugg Meadows, a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

A public enquiry begins on April 28 at Hereford and Worcester Group Training Association in Holmer Road, Hereford.

Records of these Lammas meadows are in Hereford Cathedral library and as Dr Anthea Brian, dedicated naturalist, conservationist and former chairman of the Herefordshire Nature Trust, once said: "In the Lugg Meadows we still have a landscape that would be familiar to the eyes of the man who made the Mappa Mundi in 1300."

They have survived and come to us from Domesday times. So often we fail to appreciate what an unspoiled place Lugg Meadow is and Hereford is very fortunate to have this expanse of ancient meadowland with its wildlife and history on its doorstep.

Over 700 signatures have been collected for a petition in support of our council's refusal. We need more houses but for many reasons this site is wholly inappropriate. We really do need to protect this priceless asset.

SHIRLEY SPEIGHT Walney Lane, Hereford