The way that people are notified of neighbourhood planning applications is set to change.

Starting from June, residents adjacent to a property that has submitted an application will no longer receive a letter from Herefordshire Council through their letter box.

This move will, the council say, save £6,500 annually in administration costs which will be used to support core services.

To replace this there will be a wider use of public notices.

Where previously only one public notice would be displayed near a site seeking planning approval, additional public notices will be posted to advise adjacent neighbours of any planning application in lieu of the letters previously issued.

There is still a statutory requirement to give publicity to planning applications and notices will continue to be issued through the Hereford Times, and in the planning section of the council’s website.

Herefordshire Council also advises those who are applying for planning permission to also speak to their neighbours to inform them of these intentions in that they may wish to comment.