CONCERNED Residents of Greytree have reacted to the proposed planning development in the local community.

The original article, published in last week’s edition of the Ross Gazette put forward by the agent on behalf of several charities which own the 2.85-hectare paddock, outlined the development scheme to build up to 35 new homes the Greytree area.

After local households received a flier detailing the most recent attempt for potential planning, most local residents remain firmly against development of the site.

The residents point out that the land is unimproved pasture and lies within the Wye Valley National Landscape (formerly the Wye Valley AONB) which has not been included in the Neighbourhood Development Plan, it is also classed as Green Belt land and lies outside of the defined settlement boundary.

The residents feel that the development would also bring an increased risk of flooding and pollution to the local area, as well as having an adverse impact on the existing sewerage network, which is already overloaded.

The residents, who fought a similar battle in 2018, believe that the lack of proper engagement with them said that the arrogance that was experienced at that time has not gone away and that that the land is currently excluded from the latest (2021) Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

The current Neighbourhood Development Plan has already allocated new housing provision for the east of the town and at Hildersley.

A spokeswoman for the residents said: “It should not be inevitable that this site will be developed.

“We, the public, still have a say, and our opinions and the reasons that previous proposals have failed, have not changed for the last 40 years.

“Just because the charities who own the land wish to maximise their assets, and have paid a large consultancy business, does not give them the right to build a housing estate on it.

“We were told in 2018 that the development was coming whether we liked it or not, and that the scheme was of a lower housing density than any other that might be proposed, therefore we should accept this and be grateful.”

The Pegasus Group, acting for the charity-land owners said that it is seeking engagement with local residents to form part of its public consultation and said that these comments may influence the design process, prior to any planning application being formally submitted to Herefordshire Council.

The Pegasus Group is working on a high-quality development scheme of up to 35 new homes which will include a range of properties, including affordable homes to help meet local needs and includes a new access from Second Avenue.

The residents’ spokeswoman added: “The landscape supports lots of wildlife, including many protected species, which would be adversely impacted should the development proceed.

“There also remain serious issues with traffic access in an already busy part of town, which would increase the risk to local residents and pedestrians.”

The public consultation website can be accessed at landatgreytree.co.uk by clicking on the have your say tab.