THE Pegasus Group have requested that an environmental impact assessment is carried out before it submits an outline planning application for 35 new homes in the Greytree area.

The Pegasus Group, acting on behalf of a number of charities which own land on the northern edge of Greytree, has now requested a screening opinion for its outline planning application for residential development on the 2.85 hectare paddock with new vehicular access from Second Avenue.

Herefordshire planners have now issued an Environmental Impact Assessment - a mandatory procedure for developments with significant environmental effects, requiring an environmental statement before a local planning authority can grant permission.

The process covers both natural environmental factors and human-centric factors, such as noise, odour, and visual impact.

The site is located, and comprises

The proposal also includes the creation of public open space, children's play areas, sustainable drainage features, and comprehensive landscaping.

Herefordshire Council has already received 20 letters objecting to the scheme.

Among these Jeremy Scudamore points out that as the adjoining landowner to the north of this site they have spent 40 years developing a nature reserve which includes a mixed broadleaf and conifer woodland and states that this biodiverse site is rich in a wide variety of life including otters, woodpeckers, newts and slow worms.

Mr Scudamore suggests that the noise and light pollution from this site will adversely damage this ecosystem.

Another objector Julie Millward points out that the residents have been here before and told Herefordshire planners that in 2006 and 2018, the land is unimproved pasture, classified as being on Green Belt land and that the proposed development sits outside the Neighbourhood development plan.

Ms Millward warned: “The development will open access to further areas and future developments, further exacerbating the issues already affecting the area.”