Ledbury Civic Society

Ledbury Civic Society More about Planning

People often say there is no point commenting on planning applications as ‘they’ take no notice. In Ledbury we have two examples that our voices can get heard - consider the Viaduct Site and the Gladman site off Dymock Road.

Gladman’s application for 420 homes off the Dymock Road was turned down at appeal in October 2019 because the proposal would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area and the site is not in an accessible location. Ledbury Civic Society and the Town Council made representations at the Appeal. 602 representations from local people, public bodies and statutory consultees were received. Two sites are still ‘live’ and you can comment on them up until their determination date (email cbrace@herefordshire.gov.uk or write to Carl Brace at Herefordshire Council).

Bovis site off Leadon Way, 140 homes. P192482/0. The target determination date is 27 February. 97 comments have been logged on the website. Objections include the Herefordshire Landscape Officer noting that the development does not relate well to the town and that mature trees of 30 years+ on Leadon Way will be lost in creating access to the site. Other comments cover the proposal for another new roundabout on the Leadon Way and worries that new residents will be cut off from the town by the busy Leadon Way.

Bloor Homes, the Viaduct site, 625 homes - P171532/O. Herefordshire Council turned this application down chiefly because the proposed access was unsuitable (off the Bromyard Road). A large number of objections had expressed opposition to the proposed site access and a local referendum was held on the issue of site access, and won. Bloor Homes appeal against this decision will be heard on 28 April, 10.00 am at Ledbury Rugby Club. Members of the public are urged to attend, as this can signify the strength of public feeling. The Full Pitcher/Old Cricket Pitch, 93 affordable homes. P194182/F. Target determination date 11 March. The developer is Connexus a local Housing Association. There will be a mix of tenures on site: some homes will be for rent at 80% of market rent; some ‘rent to buy’ (80% market rent with option to buy after 5 years) ; some ‘shared ownership’ (part buy, part rent). Most homes will be 2/3 bed with a few 1 beds and a couple of accessible bungalows. There are no 4 or 5 bed homes. 16 representations on the website to date.

36 Gladman’s application for 210 homes off the Little Marcle Road is no longer ‘live. Gladman did not respond to Herefordshire Council’s requests for further information within the statutory time. 1 97 representations were received on this application. Whilst any succ ess we have may quickly be overtaken by a new, slightly tweaked application we should take the opportunity to recognise our achievements. The more of us who comment the more the planners will take notice!

Article contributed by: Anthony Peake and Nicola Forde members of the Planning Committee of Ledbury and District Civic Society The Burgage Hall, Church Lane, Ledbury, HR8 1DW

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