A PLANNING inspector has quashed controversial proposals to build 420 homes on the outskirts of Ledbury.

Ian and Kathleen Griffiths and Gladman Developments Ltd wanted to fill the more than 58-acre site off Dymock road with a range of one to five bedroom homes and land for community use.

They lodged an appeal against Herefordshire Council for failing to give notice within the prescribe period for a decision.

But this appeal has now been dismissed by inspector Zoe Raygen and the planning permission was refused.

Council officers said that had they been able to determine the proposals they would have rejected them for seven reasons.

Their concerns relate to the size, scale and location of the housing estate.

They had reservations over the site’s access safety and the effect it would have on the character and appearance of the Ledbury area.

The was also a lack of financial contributions towards community infrastructure.

Councillors said the ‘fantastic result’ made it clear that ‘un-planned and ill-conceived development’ was not welcome in Ledbury.

The town council’s economic development and planning committee chairman Dan Vesma said: “Amongst the many who contributed, I would personally like to thank members of this council and the public who represented us all so passionately at the hearings, the planners at Herefordshire Council for being on our side and all of those who have contributed to our town and neighbourhood development plans.

“In our referendum, the citizens of Ledbury overwhelmingly backed our neighbourhood development plan, and today the whole town can pat itself on the back.”