THE largest new housing estate in north Herefordshire at Leominster, the expansion of the Linton trading estate at Bromyard and the creation of a business park at Kington are included in a blueprint for the county unveiled this week.

Herefordshire Council's vision is published after consultation with the public and more than 1,000 responses. It has led to the introduction of new major housing and employment schemes and a re-think on others.

The Unitary Development Plan, as it is known, is due to be discussed by the council's cabinet next Thursday (February 12). If approved it will go for further consultation with a public inquiry to follow.

In Leominster, the development of the former wartime camp at Barons Cross into 360 homes is seen as essential to the prosperity and future growth of the town.

But it will have to be done in phases due to concerns over the existing road infrastructure.

According to the council, development of the 12-hectare site will require measures including junction enhancements, highway safety improvements and pedestrian and cycle links.

Later phases could even see a complete new road being built, with a link from the B4361 Hereford Road to the A44 south west of Barons Cross.

Housing on the site will be geared towards the needs of specific groups, including the town's elderly, while the development will include open space provision, landscaping and community facilities such as a nursery.

Another 30 homes are also earmarked for the Barons Cross garage site.

Elsewhere in Leominster, a 50-home development on land east of Ridgemoor Road remains in the council's plans.

However, a flood risk assessment is required from any future developer.

Also needed is the creation of a 'buffer' between the houses and the neighbouring industrial area, which the council sees as an opportunity to create recreational space.

The town's employment prospects rest with the Leominster Enterprise Park, where work on the access road is already underway. Up to 600 jobs could eventually be created.

The big news for Bromyard in the council's blueprint is the creation of a new 'gateway' to the town at Porthouse Farm.

It will come in the form of 87 homes, the design of which will have to be of a 'high standard', in keeping with the site's prime location.

The use of the land at Porthouse Farm will replace a previously favoured site at Lower Hardwick Lane.

A further 50 homes are planned for Bromyard at the former highways depot (30), land next to Ashfields (10) and at Tanyard in Pump Street (12).

On the business front, the Linton Trading Estate is to be expanded to the south, taking in land that incorporates an existing gipsy camp, which will be relocated.

Travel plans will be drawn up to encourage workers to use public transport, walk or cycle to the estate.