PEOPLE raised various concerns about Bloor Homes' plan for 625 homes to the north of Ledbury viaduct.

Opponents say a proposed canal section would mean less affordable homes and be a safety hazard.

They also said both plans would put pressure on the town's sewerage system.

The restoration of the canal is part of plans to restore the Hereford to Gloucester Canal, a stretch of 34 miles, including a length through Ledbury.

This stretch will need to be re-cut, because much of the original route of the canal has been built over.

Councillor Annette Crowe said the building of the canal could cut affordable homes on the site from 40 per cent to 30 per cent.

She said: “It’s really got my goat.

“How does the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust determine how much money they will take out of social housing? How much money will be spent to build this canal that goes nowhere?”

To cheers from members of public, she added: “It’s a long pond as far as I’m concerned. How does the Trust have the power to do that? I will fight this.”

Deputy mayor, Cllr Elaine Fieldhouse said she was worried that the canal, which would run by the proposed new estate, could pose a safety hazard for young children.

She asked: “Will there be a fence? I’m worried about the children.”

Nick Rawlings, planning director for Bloor Homes Western said he didn't think there would be a fence.

He said: “We are providing land for the canal – an 18 metre wide corridor.

“At the moment, we are not proposing a sum of money to the canal trust. Our contribution could be that we part- excavate, to start the canal off.”

Bloor’s planning consultant, Guy Wakefield warned that, with not even an outline planning application submitted, people should “not expect detail”.

He said affordable housing could be reduced to 30 per cent if Bloor works on the canal.

Both the development and canal are in line with Herefordshire Council's Core Strategy - the council's planning blueprint for the development of Ledbury for the next two decades.

Bloor Homes is preparing an outline planning application for the new estate, to north of Ledbury viaduct, and this is in accordance with Herefordshire Council’s “Core Strategy”, the council’s planning blueprint for the development of Ledbury, over the next two decades.

Meanwhile, Cllr Noel Roberts feared both developments would put too much strain on the town's sewage farm.

He said the farm,off the Little Marcle Road, was “rather small”.

Bloor planning consultant Guy Wakefield said there would be a pumping station on the site.