An update has been provided on plans to build 350 new homes, a farm shop, cafe and land for a possible school on the outskirts of Hereford.
It’s been a year since the initial outline planning application, which has received a significant amount of opposition, was submitted to Herefordshire Council by STL Group.
The outline planning application, for Land East of Hereford and south of the A438 Ledbury Road detailed the following:
‘Outline planning application for the demolition of existing buildings and structures and the erection of up to 350 dwellings (including affordable housing), a farm shop and café, employment workspaces, and land for a potential primary school, along with associated parking, access roads, walking and cycling routes, public open space, landscaping, sustainable urban drainage and other associated works, site clearance and infrastructure.
‘All matters reserved except for the primary vehicular site access via the A438.’
The application saw hundreds of objections, with the applicant expected to submit additional information in support of their proposal in the coming weeks.
In a recent email to the action group and councillors, Herefordshire Council’s Principal Planning Officer Ollie Jones said:
“I appreciate that there is very significant public interest in this application, and I am aware of ongoing concerns, including comments on social media platforms.
“As outlined in my latest update dated 6 January (attached for reference), the applicant has reaffirmed their commitment to submitting additional information in support of their proposal.
“I understand that the extended period without further updates can seem frustrating.
“However, given the complexities of the site and the issues identified by the Local Planning Authority, preparing a comprehensive response requires considerable time and resources.
“This is not unusual for applications of this nature.
“The applicant has confirmed this week that they anticipate submitting the necessary supporting information by mid-March.
“This will primarily address the key issues raised by both statutory and internal consultees, as well as the local community, and provide potential approaches to resolving them.
“Once received, the information will be made available on the public file, and I can notify you when it is accessible.
“A decision on whether further public consultation is required will depend on whether the additional information constitutes a material change to the application (i.e whether it is change to the scheme / or just technical responses to / suggestions for consultees).
“That said, the ability to make comments through the website remains, and all representations are being considered where they raise material planning considerations.
“It is important to note that this submission will be an interim step towards a more comprehensive revised package, expected in May/June 2025. At that stage, we anticipate material amendments to the scheme and description of development, which would trigger a full public consultation process.
“Subject to no further significant revisions, a decision could then be reached within approximately 13 weeks of receiving the amended submission (September 2025).
“It is anticipated that an extension of time will be agreed for this period.
“I hope this update is helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further clarification.”
You can keep up to date with this planning application by visiting the Herefordshire Council planning website and searching for planning application reference number – P240422/F
