Madam, In a recent letter I noted that only Herefordshire Council and its representatives, appeared to be expressing support for their Model Farm development, and the damage this could do. On the same day my letter was published the Ross-on-Wye Town Planning Group (RoWToP) presented its report to the Town Council and the public.
RoWToP's earlier Planning For Real (PFR) public meetings had showed only 0.5% of those turning up thought employment was an issue. Yet without referring to any public support from the 2.5 year study the Report gives first place and 'High Priority' to Economic Development.
It endorses Model Farm by pressing for yet more employment development, on the basis that 'average earnings in Ross are low', and 'the favourable' access to Ross roads. It is not clear how commercial expansion for jobs could be ring fenced for Ross people; or lead to present employers paying more; or how many more jobs would be needed for the 1150+ extra homes.
The PFR meetings had also provided only a 2% interest in housing, but because in the later questionnaire a majority of respondents were in favour of affordable/social housing (for Ross people), the Report recommends, as its second place High Priority, that Ross Town Council meets Herefordshire Council representatives to discuss the 1000 houses which could be built in the Rudhall Valley.
Better traffic management for pollution and congestion is in sixth place and of Medium Priority, even though six of the Report's twenty 'Summary of Main Recommendations' refer to it.
At least the authors of this Report, and the Town Council if it adopts it, by publicly supporting town expansion will have joined with Herefordshire Council and its public representatives in carrying the can, if plans or precedents cause Ross to become traffic strangled and polluted, and no longer a pleasant or attractive residential area.
BJ Edwards, Court Road, Ross