DEVELOPERS are seeking permission to build 25 new homes in Leominster despite the same application having been refused just last month.

Applicants, Mr and Mrs Preece, want to build the homes on land at West Winds, Cholstrey Road.

The scheme was turned down by Herefordshire Council's planning committee in February, amid concerns that the site has not been identified in the Leominster Area Neighbourhood Plan (LANP) and would exacerbate air pollution levels on the Bargates.

There were also concerns about the impact on the landscape and green corridor and road safety issues.

A separate application, for 12 homes on land off Ginhall Lane, was approved, with town councillors criticising the decision.

In a design and access statement submitted to Herefordshire Council on March 16, John Needham Associates, an agent acting on behalf of the applicants, said: "The Neighbourhood Plan has not yet been subject to examination.

"Policy LOl of the Adopted Core Strategy advises that a minimum of 2,300 new dwellings are required in Leominster of which 1,500 are dependent on the relief road which has little likelihood of happening in the immediate future, if at all.

"This leaves a minimum of 800 houses yet to be found, although an approval exists and has existed for twelve years on the Barons Cross camp but to date not one house has been built.

"It is difficult to accept the committee's view that 25 houses off Cholstrey Road would have a detrimental effect on the health of those living in the area and particularly if 425 dwellings could be built on the other side of the road."

The statement said that since the submission of the first application, the council had acknowledged it does not have the five-years supply of housing land that it is obligated to maintain.