CIVIC watchdogs have opposed plans to build 450 homes in Ledbury.

People in Herefordshire are being asked their views on a new local plan for the county – a key planning document setting out in broad terms what will be built.

Ledbury is already the site of much new housebuilding but it is to get a further 450 new homes at an unnamed site off the A417 south of the “swallow” roundabout.

Mark Lister, chairman of Ledbury and District Civic Society, said: “Under the Local Plan proposal (2021 – 2041), a further 450 houses will be built on a large site south of the town, adjacent to the Gloucester Road.

“Ledbury has already accepted more than its share of new housing and without matching provision of necessary infrastructure.

"We don’t need another 450 new houses, the majority (60%) to be sold at market rates (i.e. not affordable housing).

“This development will only make existing problems worse: traffic and parking problems in and around the town; pressure on schools, health services and other infrastructure."