IN what is likely to have long-term implications for the future development of Ledbury, the local planning inspector has given the thumbs up for Herefordshire Council's "Core Strategy" document.

This is the "planning blueprint" in Herefordshire for the future development of the county until 2031, and probably beyond.

In Ledbury it calls for 625 new houses to the north of the viaduct.

At least two developers, however, are keen to build to the south of the town instead; and in June the developer Gladman confirmed it would go to appeal over Herefordshire Council's refusal of up to 321 homes to the south of Ledbury, off the bypass/Leadon Way.

The dates have yet to be announced for this public enquiry and its outcome, if it goes against Herefordshire Council's position, could see still new housing being built at both the north and south of the town, contrary to the Core Strategy plan.

But the likely imminent adoption of Core Strategy could strengthen Herefordshire Council's hand on future housing development in Ledbury.

Herefordshire Council announced the outcome of the Local Plan inspector's report, concerning Core Strategy, on Tuesday, September 29.

A council spokesman said: "The long awaited report from the Local Plan inspector has concluded that the plan is sound and forms the basis for future planning in the county.

"The report concludes that the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy provides an appropriate basis for planning in the county providing a number of modifications are made to the plan.

"The principal modifications include the separate preparation of a waste and minerals plan, a revised approach to the relationship between infrastructure, growth and monitoring, and modifications to clarify the roles of neighbourhood plans."

The receipt of the Inspector’s report will be reported to Herefordshire Council's cabinet on October 15 and to the full council on October 16. At those meetings a decision will be made on the adoption of the plan itself.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for infrastructure said: “I am delighted that we have received the Inspector’s report and that it concludes that subject to the incorporation of the main modifications that the plan is sound and legally compliant and is capable of adoption.

"This represents the outcome of many years of hard work and public debate on this important document."