Fownhope underground reservoir holiday let facing backlash

The reservoir could become a holiday let <i>(Image: Natural Modern Studio/Herefordshire Council (from design and access statement))</i>
The reservoir could become a holiday let (Image: Natural Modern Studio/Herefordshire Council (from design and access statement))
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Objectors have hit out at a quirky holiday let that could put homes, wildlife and public footpaths at risk.

The plans to convert an unused 1960s concrete reservoir in Fownhope, near Hereford, into an unusual one-bedroom underground holiday home are dividing opinion.

A previous application for the site was refused, and an appeal was dismissed.

Objections have been raised by nearby residents, including the owners of Yew Tree Cottage, which sits immediately downslope of the site.

Lois Pena, who lives in the cottage in Hawkers Lane, said the plan "raises serious material planning concerns" that "risks the safety of our home".


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In a scathing objection to Herefordshire Council planners, she hit out at slope instability, drainage changes, water movement, access track erosion and construction traffic, as well as highway safety, public right of way conflict, ecology, trees, residential amenity, lighting and harm to the Wye Valley National Landscape.

Ms Pena said the revised application does not address previous reasons for refusal or a dismissed appeal, including “domestication of the site, outdoor activity, lighting, vehicle access, parking arrangements and harm to the protected landscape".

She also said the plans “do not demonstrate that the construction works or ongoing holiday let use would avoid unacceptable risk” to their home or garden.

Fownhope reservoirThe reservoir could become a holiday let (Image: Natural Modern Studio/Herefordshire Council (from design and access statement))

Judith Lowther of Green Street, Hereford, said the plans “do not take into account the impact of increased traffic and the unsuitability of access".

In six letters of objection, concerns about privacy, noise, and the viability of enforcing parking restrictions were also raised.

David Beeley from Park Street, Hereford, said the application did not "adequately address the potential impacts of introducing a commercial holiday use at this sensitive rural location".

He added the public right of way, which gives access to woodland and nearby Herefordshire Wildlife Trust land, could be "obstructed" or "degraded" - which would be "detrimental to public access and enjoyment of the countryside".

Rachel Gibbs of Haslucks Green Road in Shirley, Solihull, said the land on Yew Tree Cottage’s side of the track is “particularly sensitive”.

She claimed any frequent car trips could cause erosion of the hillside which would “cause damage or destabilisation to the hillside”.

Consultation on planning application P261547/F from Mr and Mrs Edmondson has now closed, with planners' target date for a decision being August 6.

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