Dear Editor

We are gravely concerned by the plans announced for the future development of the historic Chase Hotel and surrounding land.

The Core Plan for Ross makes clear that this development must conform to the principles and policies contained in the national guidelines for Neighbourhood Development Planning. In particular, The Chase Hotel development must guarantee the protection, conservation and enhancement of a valued habitat including protected wildlife species in the Chase Hotel grounds (bats, small mammals and birds).

The local NDP plan requires that the development of the hotel must ensure the continuation and sustainability of its open spaces and enhance their intrinsic character and attractiveness. The plan also mandates the development of, and investment in, infrastructure and amenities that will support the growth in quality tourism in this beautiful part of the Wye Valley.

The growing challenge from air pollution and carbon emissions will become more severe with the building of the planned 900 houses in and around Ross that has already been granted. The additional congestion and pollution would be particularly felt on the Gloucester Road, Chase Road and Alton Street quadrant, intensifying the increasingly dangerous traffic flows on Alton Street that are an ever-present threat to the health and well-being of pedestrians (older people and children especially) and nearby residents.

Within the proposals, the plan to build three 3-storey buildings housing 110 residential units of a height no less than the main hotel building, together with the construction of underground parking, will be highly destructive to the surrounding neighbourhood. The loss of this precious green space within the town of Ross, the increasing noise, negative impact on wildlife, trees and shrubs and the pressures imposed on drainage, sewage and other infrastructure, will all greatly damage the well being of the local and nearby population.

The financial challenges for the owners of The Chase Hotel are real and serious but the proposals outlined highlight the overwhelming costs to both hotel and the community from the absence of a strategic plan to remedy inadequate, deteriorating infrastructure and the lack of an integrated vision and plan for Ross and its hotels, shops, housing, hospital, doctors surgeries and other important facilities, that will properly serve the growing population and increase the attractiveness of Ross to visitors.

The Kendrys

Ross-on-Wye