Herefordshire gains homes and jobs boost

Herefordshire is just one of 45 places in the country to be granted New Growth Point status by the government, a move which will see new homes and extra jobs being created in the county.

More than 70 local authorities put forward bids to gain the status and Herefordshire’s success was announced by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper today (October 24).

New growth point status means the government will make funding available to support infrastructure projects and growth-related studies.

A sum of  £200,000 will be available for 2007-08 to carry out such studies within the county.

This growth will lead to the provision of more affordable housing, particularly in the market towns and city of Hereford, but this growth must be sustainable and include effective water supply and flood mitigation schemes together with good transport links.

Proposals made under the new status will be subject to testing through regional planning processes. The public will be consulted on the council’s own local development plans.

Leader of the Council, Roger Phillips said in response to the news: “This is an exciting development for Hereford and the county as a whole. 

“I look forward to working with the government to help to provide the jobs and homes needed in Herefordshire.”

Councillor Phil Edwards, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The new growth point announcement  recognises the challenges facing Herefordshire regarding the need for affordable housing and the limits imposed by transport infrastructure. 

“However, the status is also a recognition of the potential within the county to meet these challenges in a positive way while protecting the special character of the county’s environment.”

In giving Hereford new growth point status the government has acknowledged the need to work in partnership with Herefordshire Council and recognised Hereford’s role as a focus for jobs, health, educational and many other services.