DEVELOPERS pushing for a housing development on Ledbury's football and cricket grounds have suffered a major setback.

A Government inspector says the land should not be used for homes, which will offer both sites greater protection until 2011.

The inspector was reviewing Herefordshire Council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and conducted a public inquiry last year.

In the plan, the council had earmarked both sports grounds, behind the Full Pitcher pub in New Street, as public open space.

That was challenged by Bloor Homes, which had held talks with Ledbury Town FC and had reportedly offered both clubs new facilities on land off Ross Road, near the rugby club.

The inspector's decision reinforces the council's vision for the area. The UDP covers the period until 2011.

Herefordshire councillor for Ledbury, Barry Ashton, said: "There were a number of developers interested, probably as many as four.

"I have mixed feelings about the situation. I still feel that unless there is a more space for development land, we will get more infill developments in Ledbury, which is difficult to resist.

"The grounds are safe up to 2011, but I am sure that the developers will not go away and inevitably they will come back."

Coun Ashton said that much of the developers' interest in land had come about because the New Mills estate, designed to provide housing for 12 years, was used up in half that time.

Although more than one developer is thought to have been interested in the sites, Bloor has shown itself a serious contender. In 2004, it tested the water with an exploratory meeting with the then mayor, Keith Francis.

Speaking at the time, Coun Francis said he had seen "extensive plans" and added: "The football club is ambitious and needs to improve its facilities, to move up a league. But the UDP protects areas of open space and Ledbury needs a breathing space. I can see both sides."