PLANS are afoot to demolish some 41 bungalows in Hereford and replace them with 71 new homes.

Herefordshire Housing want to build the new houses which will largely be affordable homes and bungalows along Beattie Avenue.

The prefab bungalows which are proposed to be demolished have been boarded up and their occupants have moved out.

Consultants working on the plans say their aim is to provide an attractive and appropriate scheme reflecting the scale of the surrounding built form.

“It is our intention to provide a sensitive design responding to the design cues in the locality”, the design and access statement reads.

“As designers it is not however our intention to copy the appearance of neighbouring properties, but to enhance the positive aspects of the local built environment.”

Jeremy Milln, chairman of the Hereford Civic Society, said they object to the scheme because of its ‘car-centric’ design.

“The scheme fails to provide for cycling. Indeed it makes the opportunities for cycling here even worse than they are at present.

“Such a scheme must include for a cycle lane on at least one side if the road is to be so narrowed.

“There should be no need for entry-level two-bed housing each to have two vehicle spaces and driveways.

“Indeed, it is an essential pre-requisite of good place-making as well as Herefordshire Council’s commitment to the climate emergency that we design out the private car in urban environments where sustainable travel alternatives are available.”

A decision on the proposals was expected by March but this has been delayed and it is uncertain whether it will be taken to the next planning committee meeting due to the recent council elections.