Principle of homes at Cusop approved

The principle of residential development on land next to Coopers Hall, Cusop, was approved by members of the southern area planning sub-committee at their meeting on Wednesday, March 5.

Members agreed the legal practice manager should be authorised to complete a planning obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act with regard to financial contributions towards off-site provision for amenity facilities, highway works, local schools and affordable housing. This will be done in liaison with the ward member, Councillor Philip Price.

The site is allocated within Herefordshire Council's Unitary Development Plan for housing, 35 per cent of which will be affordable.

A design and access statement submitted with the application indicates 25 new homes on the site.

Herefordshire Council's traffic manager called for speed restrictions on the B4350 to be extended.

The council's strategic housing manager supports two and three bedroom homes, with 80 per cent of the affordable homes for rent and 20 per cent shared ownership.

Cusop Parish Council were concerned the development should not split the village into two areas and wanted the community to gain some benefits from the scheme.

Two letters of representation were received from residents calling for traffic calming measures, a high quality layout of homes and a good planting scheme.