A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to 'preserve the character and appearance of a highly sensitive part of Weobley' has been approved by Herefordshire Council members.

An application to extend and convert a Grade II-listed mill building into four apartments and redevelop the remainder of the site into 11 homes was approved last week.

Protesters submitted a 47-strong petition against the re-development, fearing it would cause traffic problems and affect the character of the village.

But planning officer Simon Withers said the revised scheme had balanced a number of conflicting issues.

The building work will not be allowed to start, however, until the developer has secured £15,000 for local schools and £9,400 towards the upkeep of recreational play space in the village.

The land, at the former DG Games site, had been used to sell agricultural equipment and machinery.