PLANS to build up to 49 new homes in Ledbury have again courted controversy.

The long-running saga over homes at Leadon Way has long been contentious, with developer Vistry returning with new plans to build 49 houses at the site, located directly to the south of Leadon Way.

The developer has applied for a variation to existing planning conditions relating to 140 new homes at Leadon Way.

This relates to an application first approved back in 2019.

The Site already has outline planning permission for: "Outline planning permission with all matters reserved (save access) for the erection of up to 140 residential dwellings (use class C3) with associated parking, access roads, public open space, landscaping, sustainable urban drainage, and associated works."

What the plans call for is a repositioning of the approved roundabout for the site, roughly 160 metres further to the west along Leadon Way.

The plans are effectively the second phase of an existing homes plan first approved back in 2016.

If built, the homes would be the last of a 324 home development in the town.

The homes would be a mix of one, two and three bedroom houses, with 29 marked for the open market with 20 being affordable housing.

Herefordshire Council has not yet decided on approval, with a determination date earmarked for September 2 this year.

The plans are not without opposition, however, with Ledbury Town Council highlighting transport links as a reason for rejection

The council's response said: "The proposal is considered contrary to key objectives of the NPPF and policies SS4 and MT1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy in demonstrating a sustainable location which encourage and promotes the use of sustainable travel modes.

"Whilst some improvements to pedestrian and cycle accessibility have been put forward, it has not been confirmed that these are deliverable and no appropriate routes for cyclists have been proposed.

"The assessment therefore fails to demonstrate that the site is accessible by non-car modes.

"The deposited application fails to adequately demonstrate how the development would be serviced by public transport."

The council's representation also said it feels the proposed development would severely impact traffic flow on the Leadon Way Bypass.

According to the council, this is because it is: "Rapidly not becoming a bypass with additional crossings and speed reduction measures."

Another party to oppose the plans is St Katherine's Surgery in Ledbury.

In its representation, the surgery says it would be unable to cope with the rise in demand for services.

It said: "Existing medical facilities will be unable to cope.

"Both GP surgeries are already working at full capacity and have neither the staff nor the space to expand within their existing premises.

"NHS policy is encouraging a move towards care provision via ‘super practices’.

"Each unit will be expected to provide care for around 30,000 patients and the integration of GP and community services is encouraged.

"We believe it is absolutely essential for any plan for the future of Ledbury includes the provision of a suitable facility to support the healthcare provision for its residents, and, until that assurance is given we will be unable to support this, or any other local planning applications."

The plans and responses can be viewed in full at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200142/planning_services/planning_application_search/details?id=212243