Plans for bunkhouse and common room approved

Planning permission for an implement store at Woodside Lodges, Falcon Lane, Ledbury, incorporating bunkhouse accommodation for groups of walkers and cyclists together with a common room, were approved by members of the northern area planning sub-committee at their meeting on Wednesday, March 12.

The Woodside Lodges country park has 14 existing lodges. The site of the proposed building was previously occupied by a modest building used for the storage of machinery.

The applicant constructed a larger replacement building, unaware planning permission would be needed for the new structure.

Herefordshire Council's cultural services manager supported the application saying cyclists and walkers want this type of bunkhouse accommodation. The property lies on the Herefordshire Trail, a 154-mile route linking all the market towns of the county.

Ledbury Parish Council objected because the new building is larger than the one it replaced and said the location was not on a walking route.