A HOUSING developer has applied to Herefordshire planners to establish that in principle three new bungalows could be built on land at Castle End in the Lea.

It is the third time Churcham Homes Ltd has submitted an application to build on the same plot of land.

In September 2022, following an appeal, the planning inspector refused to allow a development of up to nine dwellings and in March 2023 while a proposed development of four houses was also refused by Herefordshire Council.

In both instances Herefordshire planners felt that the proposals represented an unjustified residential development in an open countryside location, because its was outside of the defined settlement boundary for Lea.

Additionally, the authority felt that the proposed development would not protect or conserve the setting of the Grade II* listed Manor House because of the proposed development’s scale and design.

The latest proposal is to establish if planning permission can be obtained in principle on the 0.15-hectare plot for building three dwellings.

The applicant points out that while the site is located just outside the defined settlement boundary of Lea, that it is not detached from the settlement.

The agent Steve Mitchell stated that the density of any development would be in line with surrounding properties and that the current proposal would comprise of single storey dwellings.

However local resident Brian Jones objects to the scheme and states that as the site lies outside the settlement boundary it needs to be treated as land within the open countryside.

Mr Jones concluded: “I object to this site being used for housing due to any such housing impinging upon the setting of Castle End. I argue that the proposed development is contrary to both local and national planning policy and the River Wye’s Special Area of Conservation.

Herefordshire planners are expected to make their decision by August 15.