THE former abattoir at Eardisley that closed down last April with the loss of 42 jobs is to be given a new lease of life.

Outline planning permission has been approved for 20 houses to be built on the 1.8-acre site.

Abattoir owners, Mead Webber, submitted the application to Herefordshire Council. The business had blamed bureaucracy over new hygiene regulations for the plant's shut down.

Objections to the development from three local residents referred to an 'injurious effect' on the Black and White trail and tourism and an unsympathetic, profit-driven proposal.

There had also been a letter of support welcoming new mixed housing into the village.

Officers told the northern area planning committee that a layout by potential developers indicated a scheme that would support local services, schools and shops.

However, Councillor Christopher Grover said: "As an agricultural county, it seems regretful that the site of an abattoir has to become a development for housing."