The Chase Hotel public inquiry

Herefordshire Council is awaiting the verdict of a planning inspector following a two day public inquiry (February 28 – March 1) over plans to build 18 apartments in Ross-on-Wye.

Camanoe Estates Ltd was refused full planning permission for the development, on open land at The Chase Hotel, when the Southern Area Sub-Committee met on April 13, 2005.

The committee ruled that the scheme was not in keeping with the character of a conservation area.
 
Members said that the building would intrude on a landscape park opposite the hotel thereby erode its open character and parkland setting. They also said it would be visually intrusive against the skyline of a conservation area.

Camanoe Estates Ltd appealed the decision and argued at the public inquiry that great care had been taken over the scale, design and materials used.
 
The company’s barrister told the inquiry that the apartments would compliment and enhance the area.

Planning inspector Mr Richard Ogier, having listened to the evidence from both parties, said he would return a verdict by the end of the month (March).

The inquiry was attended by about 20 members of the public who were given the opportunity by Mr Ogier to have their say.