Dozens of local residents took the opportunity to view the plans the owners of The Chase Hotel have for the site, which they would like to see approved by Herfordshire Council later this year.

Many people were shocked when the news was broken by the Ross Gazette that the owners of the hotel, Camanoe Estates Limited, are to close it in September and are not intending to sell it to a company which would continue to run it as a hotel or function venue.

There was a huge amount of interest in the plans which were displayed at the Drop-in event on Thursday, January 17th. They showed the location for the five houses and three apartment blocks in the grounds as well as the intention to leave the parkland and green space in the centre of the site undeveloped.

In addition to Simon Porter, the company’s accountants, architects and tree specialists were in attendance at the meeting to give their opinions on the development. Several people made it clear they were interested in the site as a future home or as a property investment. Many people were concerned about the trees and wildlife on the site but seemed reassured by the aboriculturist who stated that most of the trees would be untouched unless they needed maintenance.

One resident who lives close to the hotel, Linda Billinger, told the Ross Gazette; “The proximity of our property to the back of The Chase Hotel is close, but we have a wonderful barrier of various mature trees which screens us from them and visa versa. What is going to happen to these trees was my main concern.” She is very worried that the wildlife, including badgers, foxes, owls, and a large variety of other birds which will just disappear if this scheme goes ahead.

She added: “The scheme is a nonsense, and will just add more pressure on our already pressurised  services” and appealed to the planning officers to: “listen to your residents and let’s save this wonderful green space in our town, for our town, and come up with an alternative plan that benefit us all.”