Residents of Albert Road are dismayed that controversial plans for eleven new properties will be reconsidered by Herefordshire Council.

The plans, submitted by Rural Homes, were rejected by councillors on the northern area planning sub-committee last month.

However, council officers, who had recommended approval, have now ordered that the main planning committee look at it again on July 16.

Linda Isaacs, of Albert Road, said: "I very much regret this because, obviously, the plans were turned down and the same plans will be looked at again. We are disappointed and quite nervous actually."

Fellow resident Norman Selkirk said: "This battle never seems to end. I want Albert Road to stay as it is now. I wish this issue was over and done with."

Local people put together an 88-signature petition against the proposed development and raised concerns over parking and traffic pressure on a narrow Victorian street, which does not have pavements.

Few decisions taken by a planning sub-committee come under further council scrutiny afterwards.

But Kevin Bishop, the council's principal planning officer, said: "The planning application that came before the sub-committee was recommended for approval. The decision of the sub-committee could be overturned. It's up the members of the planning committee to decide."

Rural Homes also has the option of appealing direct to a Government inspector for a decision, as the council has not determined the application within the official time limit.

Last year, an earlier Rural Homes plan for 12 new homes was rejected by the council, a decision upheld when an inspector rejected an appeal.

Speaking after the latest rejection, Rural Homes director Barry Connally said it would not be appealing at present but would await the outcome of the planning process.