Former Mayor and Councillor, Harry Bramer, put forward a motion for the new Town Council to vote on at the Annual Meeting of the Full Town Council on Monday, May 13th.

Harry told the Ross Gazette: “There is growing concern in the Town that The Chase Hotel was missed out by the Town Council for designation as Local Green Space in their submission to Herefordshire Council for the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

“I intend to correct this error at the first opportunity.”

It read that ‘this Town Council notes that the land at The Chase Hotel was not considered for designation as a Local Green Space during the preparation of the Neighbourhood Development Plan and supports the immediate consideration of the grounds below the car park down to Waterside as a designated site.’

In addition, it advised than ‘an application be made to register The Chase Hotel, its entrance drive, car park, and gardens as an Asset of Community Value.

Councillor Julian Utting proposed an amendment to the motion, and Councillor David Ravenscroft seconded the motion.

Councilllor Utting said: “This Council recognises the controversy within the town about proposals for future development of The Chase Hotel site. The Council also recognises its responsibilities as a statutory consultee and the obligation not to take a position on any planning issue in advance of a formal application.”

His motion read that as an elected body and as individuals, the Town Council have no pre-determined opinion in respect of future planning applications on The Chase Hotel site, and acknoweldged full confidence in the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group to develop appropriate planning policies in respect of The Chase Hotel site.

The motion also stated that the Town Council would delegate to the Planning Committee to investigate and recommend back to the Full Council the appropriateness of including The Chase on the community asset register.

Apart from Councillor Katie Fowler who could not participate in discussions regarding The Chase, the Council voted unanimously to amend the motion.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.