Over 200 signed copies of a petition opposing potential development at Greytree were handed to Melvin Reynolds, Chair of the Ross Neighbourhood Planning Group, at a meeting on Tuesday, October 9th.

These demontstated evidence of the strong opposition by local residents to the proposed inclusion of the land at Greytree in the Ross Neighbourhood Development Plan, and any potential development.

Melvin Reynolds acknowledged the strength of opinion and said that he had also received individual emails and letters of opposition.

With The Neighbourhood Development Plan just a few weeks away from being finalised prior to Consultation, residents are urging everyone opposed to the land at Greytree being included in the Plan to contact Melvin directly by email or letter, even if they have signed the petition.

Simon and Elain Leney, of Brampton Road, told the Ross Gazette: “This is our chance to make sure our voices are heard and every individual comment counts. Anyone on the Electoral Role can send in a comment, it is not limited to one per household.

“The more comments opposing the development, the less chance it has of being included.”

Reasons for opposition to the development from residents include lack of sustainability, the inability of Second Avenue, The Spine Road, Brampton Road, Homs Road and Five Ways to cope with the increased traffic that would result, and the topography of the site, which can be seen from afar with any development on it being a detractor in the landscape. It is also open countryside, which has never been included in the Plan period 2006-2031.

Simon and Elaine said: “We have made a fantastic start, but need to keep up the momentum until the Neighbourhood Development Plan is finalised.

“Hopefully, we will succeed in preventing the land being included, but this is very unlikely to be the last we hear from those wishing to develop the land.

“Indeed, they could still apply to Herefordshire Council for planning permission even if the proposal is not in the Plan, so as a community we must be ready to continue our opposition.”

To discuss the plan or to send your view, email Melvin Reynolds on

[email protected], or write to Chair, Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Ross Town Council, The Corn Exchange, High Street, Ross on Wye HR9 5HL.