I REFER to the letter from R Williams (Bypass not SC2 is proper way forward, Hereford Times, July 30).

Herefordshire Council has taken this “bull by the horns” and put forward evidence-based policies that form the Local Development Framework – Core Strategy, which is now with the planning inspector for approval as a sound plan, for adoption by full council in early autumn.

The policies in the Core Strategy are well-known and have been through considerable consultation. To keep Herefordshire viable, we must grow the economy through enabling business opportunities, meeting the demand for housing and the road infrastructure to support it.

R Williams’ views of the value of the Lugg Meadows may be shared by others, but the meadows are protected by statute and we will never be able to build there under current regulations. For Herefordshire to have an A49 trunk route bypass, it can only go to the west of the city.

Residents and businesses are demanding a bypass for the city and to this end we have regular meetings with senior representatives from Highways England to ensure this route becomes a project for national infrastructure priority.

The SC2 – South Wye Relief Road – has been largely funded by the government through a successful bidding round through the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. This was gained against tough competition from other projects because of the value-added benefits to the economy and travel sustainability.

When built, SC2 will become the next phase of the western bypass. The funding to build it cannot be used for any other project and will be released to us in phased stages throughout the build.

However long it takes to choose the route, gain planning and achieve funding for the rest of the western bypass, it is our only option.

COUNCILLOR PHILIP PRICE Cabinet member for infrastructure Herefordshire Council