Plans for residential development at Much Birch referred

Members of the southern area planning sub-committee were minded at their meeting on Wednesday, March 5 to approve plans for a residential development, pond, parking for the village hall and surgery together with the demolition of a packing shed at Court Farm, Much Birch.

The application has now been referred to the head of planning services and is likely to be referred to the next planning committee on April 11.

An indicative plan showed nine homes, four detached, a pair of semi-detached and a terrace of three homes. The terraced homes were identified as affordable.

Herefordshire Council's ecologist said an ecological survey needed to be undertaken for great crested newts and bats.

Much Birch Parish Council supported the application and wanted the affordable housing to be for the over 55s.

Three letters of representation were received from residents concerned at being overlooked and an increase in traffic. The additional car parking was welcomed and one letter urged the council to approve the application.

Under the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan, sites for smaller settlements such as Much Birch have to be environmentally acceptable, have good access to facilities and no market housing is allowed. Need for affordable housing also needs to be substantiated by a local housing need survey.