LAND north of Whitestone Business Park will be developed into 80 'extra care' apartments for people over 60.

Herefordshire Council's planning committee approved the development which will also have a swimming pool, gym, cafe, hair salon and allotments.

‘Extra care’ is a term used to describe specialist housing, typically for the elderly who while in need of an element of domiciliary care, are still independent to the extent that they wish to remain in their own homes.

The committee heard a footway and controlled crossing point on the A4103 had been proposed to link the site to Withington.

The apartments will be built to the Passivhaus standard.

The planning agent, Russell Pryce, for the applicant Collins Design & Build Ltd said the facilities would be available for the community.

He also said there would be flexible care packages and it would reduce the demand on the NHS and local authority.

Cllr Dave Greenhow said: "I must applaud the developer. They have listened intently to everything that has been said to them to make this a very successful development."

The Withington Group Parish Council objected to the proposal because it said the site was "divorced" from the village.

The planning committee unanimously voted in favour of the application.