A proposal to construct a self-build dormer bungalow in the heart of the Wye Valley has been granted planning permission, despite concerns over its impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

The application, submitted by Mr Samuel Cooper for land formerly occupied by a bungalow in Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye, was approved by Herefordshire Council and the development will replace the previous dwelling which was destroyed by fire, with a three-bedroom dormer bungalow.

The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of rural development in protected landscapes, with the Wye Valley designated as a National Landscape. The planning authority imposed a series of stringent conditions to ensure the new dwelling harmonises with its surroundings and complies with both local and national planning frameworks.

Among the 13 conditions attached to the approval are requirements for a detailed landscaping scheme, restrictions on external lighting to protect nocturnal wildlife, and the installation of bat and bird boxes to enhance biodiversity. The development must also adhere to a Construction Management Plan and demonstrate water efficiency measures in line with Herefordshire’s Core Strategy.

The bungalow must connect to the Welsh Water mains sewer network and discharge surface water via soakaways, avoiding any impact on the public sewerage system. External materials and boundary treatments must be approved prior to construction above ground level, and no additional first-floor windows may be installed without further consent.

The decision has been welcomed by proponents of sustainable rural housing, who argue that self-build schemes offer a viable solution to housing shortages in countryside communities. However, critics have raised concerns about the cumulative impact of such developments on the Wye Valley’s fragile ecosystem.

As rural planning policy continues to evolve, this decision highlights the delicate balance between enabling sustainable development and preserving the character and biodiversity of England’s most treasured landscapes.