New plans have been submitted to build 32 homes on a site which will entail the removal of the railway arch at the entrance.

The applicants, Ross Almshouse Charity have said that the archway will be the main point of access to the site at the end of Cawdor Arch Road, but the tunnel will need to be demolished to allow clear and safe access for emergency vehicles.

The charity wants to build a mixture of two-storey homes, 13 of which will be affordable, on the site.

The applicant says that after discussions with Herefordshire Highways Department, it is agreed that an improved junction at Homs Rd/Cawdor Arch Rd for vehicle access to site will provide better access for both the residents of the proposed development, and the residents of Cawdor Arch Road.

They say that using the existing access offers an opportunity to upgrade the surfaces to the access route.

There will be off-road residential parking, and the location of the site provides the opportunity for pedestrian access to the town. The site is also adjacent to a Public Right of Way, linking the town centre to the south to Brampton Road to the north.

The site is also home to a large population of slow worms.

Architects say the site will include a large green space at the entry of the site, and a strip along the southern edge reserved for wildlife, following an ecological survey which found a large population of the protected legless lizard.

Residents have until August 16th to comment on the proposals and Herefordshire Council planners expect to consider the plans by October 15th.