PLANNING permission for a 'car-free' housing scheme on the site of Ledbury's Secret Garden could follow talks between the developer and Herefordshire Council.

Council officers will next week ask for delegated powers to open talks with the developer and, if these are concluded successfully, grant planning permission for the five homes.

The request will be made to councillors at the northern area planning sub-committee on Wednesday (July 13).

The council is looking for a legal agreement which could, among other things, tie the developer into providing a bicycle for each new resident, to underpin the car-free nature of the scheme.

Planning officer Andrew Banks said: "The development is of a high density but this is considered to reflect the character of the area.

"The orientation of the scheme is such that it will not cause any demonstrable loss of privacy to other properties.

"The proposal is considered in accord with development plan policies."

However, there have been objections from six local residents, the CPRE and also Ledbury Town Council, which has recommended refusal of the plan.