CONCERNS have been raised about traffic noise from the A49 in a developer's bid to turn a row of four unique Hereford buildings into 10 flats.

The striking Georgian and Victorian buildings in Bridge Street have been used as offices, but it now looks like they could be once again turned into homes, if plans are approved by Herefordshire Council.

Applicant Jay Rai wants to convert 32, 33, 34 and 35 Bridge Street into 10 flats, but concerns have been raised from the council's environmental health and trading standards department over noise from the nearby A49.

Officer Susannah Burrage said she had some concerns regarding the impact of road traffic noise, not only from St Martin's Street but also from the A49 trunk road to the west.

She said noise mapping data from the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs would indicate the road traffic noise to the western side of the building would likely be in the region of 50-55dB at night time and 55-65dB during the day at ground floor level.

Hereford Times: The view over the Old Bridge and Greyfriars Bridge in Hereford. Picture: Paul Rogers. The view over the Old Bridge and Greyfriars Bridge in Hereford. Picture: Paul Rogers.

This is above levels set out in guidelines, and Ms Burrage wants to see how the noise will be limited.

"These noise levels are likely to be higher as the height of the building increases," she said.

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She wants to see an acoustic design statement which sets out how the acoustic environment has been taken into account in the design and layout of the site.

She said sound outside should be around 50dB where practicable and the statement should include all proposed mitigation – for example acoustic fencing.

Hereford Times: The distinctive frontage of the properties in Bridge Street The distinctive frontage of the properties in Bridge Street

"For internal areas the statement should predict the external noise levels at each elevation and propose mitigation – for example suitable glazing and ventilation – to ensure that the desirable standard of 30dB is achieved in bedrooms during the night and 35dB during the day with as many windows as possible," she said.

The four buildings, which are linked, have pedestrian access from the pavement, and part of the car park is owned by Mr Rai.

The deadline for comments on application 204045 has passed.

The buildings have previously been used as a offices for Welsh Water, Hereford City Council and accountants.

A plaque above the door offers one nugget of information – this was once the John Gwynne James Memorial Home for Nurses.