Bromyard Downs’ management under the spotlight
A review of the way the Bromyard Downs are managed is underway and all interested parties are being encouraged to have their say.
The 286 acres of grassland, open woodland and heathland is designated common land and is located around three kilometres (2 miles) east of Bromyard.
Since 1991 the common has been administered under a management agreement drawn up by the then "responsible local authority," which was Malvern Hills District Council.
Herefordshire Council inherited this responsibility when it was formed in 1998, and under this agreement, management of the common was delegated to the Brockhampton Group Parish Council.
The parish council, in turn, has delegated this responsibility
to a management committee.
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"We want to gather the views of those who have an interest in the
Bromyard Downs and are keen to see them protected for future
generations to enjoy," said Alan McLaughlin, the Council's
Assistant Chief Executive (Legal & Democratic).
Once the council has collated the views, they will be considered by Cabinet who will agree a way forward.
The three options currently under consideration are:
• A continued delegation of the management responsibility to the
parish council - with possible revisions to the terms of the
management committee and membership of any sub-committee
• A new agreement with the creation of a joint committee (made up
of the council and either or both of the parish/town councils)
taking over management responsibility of the downs
• Herefordshire Council taking over the management of the downs
with advice from a committee
The consultation kicks off on Saturday, October 25, and runs until Saturday, December 20.
All the relevant information will be sent to those who the council considers have an interest in the downs.
"However, we are aware that there may be people we have missed, so the consultation document will also be available on the council website. You'll find the online questionnaire by clicking on 'have your say' button," added Alan.
The document will also be placed in Bromyard library and at Bromyard INFO shop.
The consultation document can also be provided for those without Internet access. They can be obtained by phoning Alec Dubberley on 01432 260088 or writing to: Democratic Services, Herefordshire Council, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford, HR1 1SH.
