QUESTIONS over future provision for school places is slowing down a town's neighbourhood plan.

Ross-on-Wye Neighbourhood Development Plan's steering group has struggled to progress with its plans due to complications regarding school provision.

In the latest report by the chairman of the group, Melvin Reynolds, he said they have not had useful responses from Herefordshire Council to a number of questions, meaning there are too many unresolved issues for the plan to progress.

He said to move forward they will have to opt for a criteria-based approach, which is less specific and detailed than the allocated site approach which they were pursuing.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "Herefordshire Council is considering the impact any proposed new housing development would have on the demand for school places in Ross-on-Wye.

"We need to ensure there are enough school places to meet demand, within fit for purpose buildings, which enable our children to receive high quality education, now and in the future.

"At this point, as more work needs to be done regarding education provision, the council’s neighbourhood planning team suggest a criteria based policy would be appropriate, as it would support any future school relocation. This would enable work to proceed on providing housing site allocations."

The spokesman said the council remains committed to working with Ross Town Council in the production of its Neighbourhood Development Plan.