Go-ahead for sustainable urban extension

Plans for a sustainable urban extension in Herefordshire featuring hundreds of homes have been approved.Vistry Group sought outline permission for a development on about 29.4 acres of agricultural land known as Hardwick Bank, which is situated to the north-west of Bromyard.The proposal looks to provide a mix of open-market and affordable housing provision.Also lined up is open space, allotments and landscaping together with school expansion land to the east of the site.The application is a “substantive revision” of an original proposal from 2017, which was made in outline with access for up to 500 dwellings.A statement filed on behalf of the applicant with Herefordshire Council – whose planning committee met on 17 January – said: “The overarching vision is to create a high-quality residential development responsive to Bromyard and to Herefordshire’s natural and built heritage and setting.”A report for the committee said: “The proposals are considered to represent sustainable development and are generally in accordance with the development plan.”Members voted to approve the project, subject to conditions.