Ross-on-Wye Town Council responds to Local Plan Consultation
15 May 2024
Ross-on-Wye Town Council has submitted a response to the Herefordshire Council Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) Consultation.
Herefordshire Council’s draft Local Plan document sets out how the county could grow in the longer term and relates to new development of housing, businesses and industry as well as identifying the infrastructure to support growth such as community facilities like schools, medical facilities, and community halls as well as transport links. Additionally, it sets out what land should be kept available for recreation, farming and wildlife. The Local Plan 2021- 2041 outlines the planning framework for the county for the period to 2041.
In response to the target of 1800 dwellings for Ross proposed in the plan the Town Council have expressed major concerns stating: “The proportion of houses is not appropriate. Ross-on-Wye is expected to deliver 1800 new homes within the plan period. This is a significant increase in terms of the number of homes and overall population.
“Hereford and the other market towns are expected to increase their populations by a significantly smaller percentage.
“Ledbury, Leominster and Hereford have existing rail connections which can contribute significantly to the sustainability of any future development within those areas. Ross has easy access to the M50, so development in the town will be focused on trip generation by car.”
The Town Council supports the development of the Model Farm Enterprise park, which is proposed in the Place Shaping: Ross-on-Wye plan, however the proposal of a strategic urban extension (a minimum of 1000 homes) to the east of the town is of concern, and the Town Council has expressed they would not support this as it is disproportionate to the size of the existing town and to the allocation in comparison to other market towns, as well as the location being disconnected from the town. Support has been given to the percentage of affordable housing planned, however it was noted that the percentage in other market towns is much lower, and it is felt that this should be increased to offer parity.
Comments regarding the lack of secondary school places and healthcare facilities were also submitted. As well as a suggestion for green and blue links to the town.
The Town Council has also expressed concerns regarding the impact of the additional developments planned for locations near to Ross: “Alongside development within Ross-on-Wye, the additional development of locations nearby will add additional pressure on services with the town. Weston-under-Penyard and Lea are expected to expand significantly with no provision for healthcare facilities or secondary education places. It is likely this will add additional pressure within Ross.”
Ross-on-Wye Town Council encourages all residents to complete this important consultation and to have their say on Herefordshire Council’s plans. The consultation ends on 20th May. You can view and complete the consultation here: https://consultations.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/114/draft-herefordshire-local-plan-regulation-18-consultation
There is also a young persons survey for 13-25 year olds here: https://hlp.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/r18-youth-questionnaire/step1gulation-18-consultation
Town Council’s full response – Accommodating Future Growth
Town Council’s full response – Place Shaping – Ross-on-Wye