PLANS to create a new Hereford housing suburb on land at Bullinghope has led to a war of words between two South Wye councillors.

Chris Chappell has called for the resignation of cabinet member and Belmont ward councillor Phil Edwards over his backing of the scheme.

Councillor Chappell believes the plan would have a devastating effect on the area but Councillor Edwards thinks the development - which would initially see the creation of 300 houses - is essential to secure the long-awaited Rotherwas access road.

The dispute comes a week after Herefordshire Council published its revised unitary development plan, in which homes originally earmarked for land at Holmer were switched to south of the river on a site between Bullingham Lane and Hoarwithy Road.

Coun Chappell said: "As a South Wye councillor, he must know the views of the people about this and the devastating effect it would have on the area. The officers, having looked at all alternatives, decided on Holmer. A political/personal decision has been taken to alter this.

"As the cabinet member responsible, Coun Edwards has no alternative other than to resign or denounce the original officers' decision and thereby admit that his officers are wrong."

But Coun Edwards hit back, saying that the the houses needed to be near employment opportunities.

"The Bullinghope release of development land will be subject to appropriate planning obligations being in place to enable and ensure construction of the access road," he said.

"Additional benefits will come from reduced commercial traffic, currently grid-locking Holme Lacy Road, thus green travel aspirations for walking and cycling will follow through the Labour councillor's ward."