COUNTY planners have rejected a scheme to build two homes in a village near Hereford.

Glen Lewis wanted to build a bungalow and two-storey home on land next to Garnom, Birch Hill in Clehonger.

But Herefordshire Council’s planning committee rejected the scheme today (December 2) by 14 votes to one.

The council had previously postponed the scheme in August subject to a landscape assessment.

This time around, council officers recommended rejecting the scheme as it went against planning policy and fell outside the settlement boundary.

Alison Davies, vicechairman of Clehonger parish council, spoke against the proposals at today’s planning committee.

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“The neighbourhood development plan excluded this site from the settlement boundary as it felt the view at this point was very important for the village.

“The impact on the skyline from the village and from further a field would be very significant.

“Under the Herefordshire core plan we were expected to provide around 100 homes by 2031.

“Planning permission has already been given for over 200 new dwellings which has resulted in significant disruption for residents over the last few years.”

She also raised concerns about the impact on nearby narrow lanes.

A statement read on behalf of the applicant’s agent said: “These application proposals are acknowledged by the case officer to represent appropriate and sustainable development in all of its facets on land adjoining the settlement boundary.

“The proposed development is considered by the officers to represent a natural extension of the settlement.”

However, ward councillor David Hitchiner said it was not appropriate for Clehonger to have more new houses.

Councillor Paul Rone proposed rejecting the scheme and this was seconded by coun Alan Seldon.

The committee refused permission for the plans.