DEVELOPMENT plans put forward by the owners of The Chase Hotel in Ross-on-Wye were welcomed by members of the public.

The owners of the town centre hotel, Camanoe Estates Limited, said they plan to close the hotel on September 30 as the business no longer makes a profit.

In its place they hope to get planning permission for around 100 to 120 apartments and also five houses on the grounds.

They held a busy consultation drop-in event at the hotel in Gloucester Road last Thursday.

Resident Ian Murray, who lives close to the hotel, said: "I am surprisingly happy [with the plans]. They are not over-developing it.

"They could have fitted twice as many properties in, if not three times. They haven't done that."

He said he was also pleased because an area of grass in the middle will be protected by land deeds, so it cannot be built on in the future.

David Thompson, who lives on Eastfield Road, said it was too early to comment on the proposals.

He said: "Until we get the final details plan we don't know what we are up against."

Mr Thomspon said he would rather the hotel wasn't turned into flats but said if it is going to be, then he hopes there will be a benefit for the town, including the public space proposed.

A woman, who did not wish to be named, said she would be interested in buying a flat at the site due to its convenient location.

While another woman, who did not wish to be named, said she would like to see the hotel sold to an upmarket hotel chain or be turned into a care home.

Melvin Reynolds from the Neighbourhood Development Plan was at the consultation. He said in the current draft plan for Ross, there are five houses on the Gloucester Road side, which is proposed by The Chase owners. And also seven on the south side of the site.

These 12 homes are part of 70 "contingency" homes recommended in the draft plan.

Nine hundred homes in Ross have already been built or have planning permission, which meets the town's target according to the county's Local Plan. But a contingency of around 90 is needed as some homes may not be built.

Mr Reynolds said: "I have said to them [the hotel owners], if you want to put it in the plan, do a consultation with the public and we can see what the reaction is to it."

A planning application has not yet been sent to Herefordshire Council.

To find out more go to consultingyou.co.uk/chasehotel