HEREFORDSHIRE Council has given the go-ahead to build a total of 11 new homes in two county villages.

Sweetman Developments Ltd got the green light to build a mixture of eight new bungalows and dormer bungalows on land off Cotts Lane in Lugwardine.

They will be made up of five four bed-roomed homes and three three beds.

Bartestree with Lugwardine group parish council objected to the scheme saying it would be outside the settlement boundary.

They also said the parish had already exceeded its minimum target of new houses, many of which were already built or under construction.

However, councillor Terry James said there was a need for more homes in the county, particularly bungalows.

The committee unanimously approved the plans.

Shortly after, planners also approved a scheme for three homes on land at Old Trecilla buildings, Lower Herberts Hill in Llangarron.

Some 40 residents had objected and 15 wrote in support of the proposals along with the parish council.

Some councillors raised concerns over its impact on the nearby 17th century grade II listed Box Bush Cottage.

But the planning committee unanimously agreed to approve the scheme with little more discussion.

Ward councillor Elissa Swinglehurst said it had been one of the quickest planning debates she had ever witnessed.