A DECISION on plans for a bar facility at the new Ledbury Community Sports Hall is expected today (Friday).

The ruling will be made at a meeting of Herefordshire Council's northern area planning sub-committee, meeting at the council's Hereford base this afternoon.

The committee has been recommended to approve the plan and an extension of opening hours at the venue, in the grounds of John Masefield High School, to 11pm, Monday to Saturday and to 10.30pm on Sundays.

This is despite written objections from a number of Ledbury residents, who fear the move will cause disruption for the local community, create further traffic congestion along Mabel's Furlong and give Ledbury another pub which "it does not need".

Concerns have also been expressed that licensed premises should not be in a school.

Planning officer Kevin Bishop said: "The introduction of a licensed bar in the coffee lounge is not in itself considered detrimental to nearby dwellings, as the building is located a reasonable distance from them.

"The extended hours for the operation of the complex is also considered acceptable for similar reasons and are in line with national licensing laws."