New housing estate in village near Hereford moves step closer

Stonewater said the purchase of the site had been completed, with Herefordshire Council recently giving the go-ahead for up to 90 new homes in Clehonger, near Hereford.

Supported by £3.7 million Homes England funding, Stonewater said the scheme would feature a large public open space and the renewal of an existing orchard for residents to enjoy, and it would also provide space for shrub planting, a wildflower meadow and a natural play area.

It said the development would comprise of 58 new homes – a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses – for affordable rent, along with 32 two and three-bedroom houses for shared ownership.

"Providing much-needed affordable new homes is vital for the survival of rural communities and services," a spokesperson for the firm said, tying the news in with Rural Housing Week.

Matt Crucefix, director of development (South and West) at Stonewater, said: "In Rural Housing Week we're not only focussing on the pressing need for affordable homes for local people but also highlighting the role that affordable housing plays in sustaining thriving and picturesque villages like Clehonger.

"Our aim is to ensure there's plenty of green space for the whole community to enjoy, along with attractive open spaces and a rejuvenated orchard, designed to breathe new life into the local area.

"We look forward to working with our chosen construction partner to provide a range of houses not just for rent but also for shared ownership, enabling individuals and families struggling to get on the property ladder to realise their dream of owning their own home."

Stonewater said it was undertaking a public tender for the build contract, and work was due to start on site by early October.

Councillor Ange Tyler, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for housing, regulatory services and community safety, added: "We are pleased to have been able to give this scheme the go ahead to provide much-needed housing in a rural area.

"This development will provide high quality homes and will also help to tackle the shortage of affordable housing in rural communities where people are currently struggling to rent or buy a place of their own due to the increase in prices. These affordable homes will make it possible for local people and young families to remain in their community and close to their families.

"We are keen to continue to work alongside Stonewater to help deliver the council's aims of building genuinely affordable homes across Herefordshire."

Plans to build on land off Kingstone Road in Clehonger have been approved

The council originally rejected the scheme, but permission was granted for the site after a planning appeal in 2016.

Then in February, councillors approved the proposed appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale for the development.

range of traditional building materials are proposed for the new homes, such as brick, render and stone to reflect the mix across the village.

Councillor Terry James proposed approving the scheme and Tony Johnson reluctantly seconded his motion.

"I find myself extremely disappointed with this whole application," Coun Johnson said.

"It just seems like an attempt to squeeze as many houses as you can get on the available space.

"However, as I understand it, I cannot see any clear reason to refuse this application if I could, I would be putting it forward and opposing it.

"I can't see anyway we could stop it as it is."

Councillor Toni Fagan asked for conditions for water harvesting and a 100% hedgehog access is incorporated in the garden fencing to be placed on the planning permission.

While Mark Millmore said he feared if they rejected the proposals they would win on appeal and it would cost the council.

Ward councillor David Hitchiner said the proposals may be an opportunity for people to get on the housing ladder.

"I do hope we only end up with 35% social houses and the other properties because they are cheaper than the rest of the market there may be an opportunity for those to be sold privately."

A total of 11 councillors voted in favour of the proposals while two voted against and there was one abstention.