County Planners Recommend Refusal of 265-House Development

Campaigners are celebrating after county planners indicated they would likely refuse a contentious proposal for the development of 265 homes near the Lugg Meadows nature reserve, located between Hereford and the protected wetlands. The application, submitted by STL Energy, has faced considerable scrutiny and delays since its introduction in March 2022, primarily due to widespread public and expert objections.

The proposed development site, situated south of the A438 road, has been the focus of considerable concern regarding its potential environmental impact. In August 2023, following a series of revisions aimed at addressing ecological, landscape, transport, and flood risk issues, the decision deadline for the application was postponed to this month. This extension prompted a renewed wave of objections, with experts and over 1,700 members of the public voicing their concerns, largely organized by the Land East of Hereford Action Group (LEHAG).

In a recent communication, principal planning officer Ollie Jones informed Savills, the property services firm representing STL, that the council “is unable to support the application in its current form.” He highlighted unresolved issues such as “significant and unmitigable landscape harm,” potential damage to the river Lugg, and risks related to flooding. He also noted concerns about the proposed cycle and footpath access to Hereford, stating that this list of issues “is not exhaustive.”

Jones’s email included a request for Savills to consider withdrawing the application or wait for the formal decision, which could be subject to appeal. He acknowledged the “substantial volume of public representations,” emphasizing that many objections still require review and consideration in the final assessment, which could influence the timeline for the decision.

LEHAG coordinator Pam Gundy expressed gratitude towards the community for their involvement, stating, “Our voices were heard, and the refusal recommendation shows the power of collective action.” Gundy encouraged continued support from the community should an appeal be lodged, asserting the group’s commitment to defending the decision and advocating for local interests.

As the situation develops, the community remains vigilant, awaiting the official outcome while reflecting on the significant public engagement that has characterized this planning process. The decision, which is expected soon, will be closely monitored, given its implications not only for local housing needs but also for environmental conservation efforts in the region.