PROPOSALS to build five homes opposite a rural county pub were approved yesterday (January 23).

Frank Lane submitted the plans to build the mix of four and five-bedroom houses on land north of the Royal Arms in Llangrove near Ross-on-Wye.

The plans were approved by Herefordshire Council’s planning committee but publican Peter Nottage, who spoke at the meeting, said the new homes would affect the number of people that travel to the Royal Arms.

“The vast majority of visiting customers have stated they would not sit on the patio without the hedgerow and views of the Malvern Hills and Llangarron,” he said.

“These customers confirmed they would have continued towards Symonds Yat for the serene view had the pub effectively been in the middle of a housing estate.”

In his representations to the council he explained how the recent constructions of homes had affected his pub.

“From the windows of the flat one can just see the render on the houses to the south and one of the monstrosities to the east.

“Should the building be allowed on the site opposite the pub there will not be a single view from the lane or the patio for our patrons.

“Herefordshire Council will effectively be allowing this beautiful 17th century pub to be completely encapsulated in modern buildings.”

Some 28 residents also raised concerns over the loss of hedgerow, pedestrian safety and the proposal’s impact on the village character.

However, Llangarron Parish Council did not object to the scheme and supported the reduction of houses from 10 to 5.

But parish councillors felt retaining a country feel was vitally important for the economic viability of the pub.

Planning officer Carl Brace said in his report that there were no technical reasons to resist development of the site.

He said: “The ecological enhancements and infrastructure are of an exemplar nature and combined with landscaping and built form design, are considered to result in a high-quality development which enhances the gateway nature of this part of the village and setting of Llangrove.

“Given the council’s housing land supply position, limited weight to the emerging neighbourhood development plan and locational sustainability of the proposal, approval is recommended.”

Councillors discussed the possibility of including a pathway for pedestrians to use along the road.

But planning chief Kevin Bishop said this would create something which is alien to the character of the county’s villages.

The planning committee unanimously approved the proposals with conditions.