A PROPOSED multi-million pound centre to showcase Herefordshire food and drink is to be the subject of a local inquiry, despite being given the go ahead by Herefordshire Council, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

The project planned for Claston Farm, Dormington, the home of world-renowned hop grower Peter Davies, was approved at local level more than a year ago, before going to the Secretary of State for approval.

Mr Davies is frustrated that more time should be wasted and says the delay means 30 jobs have been put on hold as well as the business prospects of producers and crafts people, who are beginning to look elsewhere.

Mr Davies, who heard the news from the Government Office of the West Midlands and is now dealing with the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol, has been told the inquiry will take place on December 3.

"I'm pretty frustrated. It's frustrating for everybody and it seems so unnecessary when the council were all agreed. It's modern day bureaucracy," said Mr Davies.

He added: "People who were going to come here have gone to other places. This is the worry when things are drawn out so long, it goes very stale."

The project would be the first of its kind in Britain, bringing together education, research, business and heritage and attracting 30,000 visitors a year to the county.