The application is for the erection of 265 dwellings, employment workspaces along with associated parking and access roads on a site which borders the Lugg Meadows Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and ecologically important floodplain meadow.

While further modifications have been made to the proposal, which was rejected in December 2025, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust still maintains that a development of this size, so close to such a sensitive site, will lead to a long-term, irrevocable decline in the ecology of the meadows and river.

Take Action

Full details of the application can be viewed on Herefordshire Council's website: Planning Search – Herefordshire Council , application reference P240422/F

All those who originally submitted a response to the application should have received a letter advising that "if you wish to make comments or modify/withdraw your previous representation or check the progress 
of the appeal you can do so here. Appeal reference 6010345. *Comments close 12th August

The Action group against proposed development ‘Land East of Hereford’ also have an active Facebook group: (20+) Action group against proposed development ‘Land East of Hereford’ | Facebook
 

Our concerns

• Negative impact upon a nationally important designated site and exceptionally rare and culturally important "Lammas" meadow (one of only 14 in the UK) – the development site lies adjacent to the meadows
• National Planning Policy states that adverse effects on a Site of Special Scientific Interest should not normally be permitted
• The development contravenes Herefordshire Council’s Core Strategy policy and the developing Local Nature Recovery Strategy
• The development would be in part of an important ecological “buffer zone” to the meadows
• Increased population in such close proximity to the site will add further recreational pressure impact on habitats and species, especially through dog-walking, to the meadows
• The impact of domestic cats on ground nesting birds will be significant
• Pollution concerns from the run-off of the proposed development
• An increase in the number of footpaths and ‘open space access land’ adjacent to the meadows will increase the footfall on the meadows and cause even more disturbance.
• The loss of breeding habitat for skylarks
• A lack of detail regarding proposed habitat enhancements, and need for more detailed botanical surveys