Land North of Hereford Point, Holmer, Hereford

Transport

Vehicle access to the site will be provided via Hedgerow Way in the form of a priority junction. The main access road will be designed to accommodate a bus route, complemented by a 2.0-metre footway on one side and a 3.0-metre shared footway/cycleway on the other. In addition, an emergency access point is proposed off Avocet Road.

Pedestrian and cyclist connections are a key focus, with routes designed to tie into the Hereford Point development. In addition to the on-site connections, Bloor Homes are currently in discussions with Herefordshire Council regarding potential off-site improvements, with the objective to improve pedestrianly connectivity to local facilities, including the train station.

The proposal also suggests the re-location of the Park & Choose facility as consented as part of the Hereford Point development. The suggested location is adjacent to the A49 Holmer Road, allowing park and continue their journey into the Hereford City Centre, via an alternative means of transport. The Park & Choose Facility is proposed to comprise:

In addition to the Park and Choose facility, a mobility hub is being considered as part of the local centre to support and promote sustainable modes of travel. The mobility hub is proposed to comprise:

The proposal also includes a safeguarded corridor of land for the potential future Hereford Western Bypass. The protected route reflects Herefordshire Council's preferred route alignment for the Holmer section of the bypass.

Ecology

VA Preliminary Ecological Appraisal has been prepared which outlines baseline ecological features present on-site with reference to survey work that has been undertaken to date, and identifies the ecological opportunities and constraints associated with the proposed development.

Detailed botanical surveys of on-site habitats and protected species surveys for bats, reptiles and amphibians are underway.

A Biodiversity Net Gain assessment will be prepared to support the scheme and identify the net change in biodiversity that will occur. Early considerations have been made to ensure that the proposals maximise biodiversity alongside development and achieve a 10% net gain, including the provision of new wildflower meadow, hedgerow, thicket and tree planting throughout the scheme as well as the delivery of new aquatic features on-site.

Sustainability

The proposal embraces a forward-thinking approach to energy and mobility by prioritising efficiency, adaptability and resilience. All new buildings will be designed to comply with the latest building regulation standards, and all new dwellings will be fitted with photovoltaic panels (PV), and electric vehicle charging points.

Drainage

The site is located predominantly within Flood Zone 1 (land at a low probability of flooding from rivers) on the Environment Agency's (EA) Flood Map for Planning. There is minor encroachment of Flood Zones 2 and 3 (land at a medium and high probability of flooding from rivers) in the south west of the site, attributed to the Ayles Brook, an Ordinary Watercourse. A hydraulic modelling exercise is being undertaken to determine the flood risk posed to the site and identify mitigation measures. At this stage, it is proposed that the built development will be located outside of any modelled flood extents.

Assessment of relevant sources identifies that the site is at a low risk of flooding from other sources including surface water, sewers and groundwater.

While the proposed development will introduce new impermeable surfaces to the site, the additional rainfall runoff will be managed by a sustainable drainage strategy. Surface water runoff will be captured and directed into a series of detention basins (SuDS) across the site. In accordance with best practice, these will provide storage for surface water up to the 1 in 100 year + 45% climate change critical storm.

To mimic the existing greenfield runoff regime, surface water runoff will be contained through the use of SuDS and restricted to a greenfield rate, as specified in the Herefordshire Council SuDS Handbook. Surface water will then discharge to the watercourses present on-site, at a restricted rate. The SuDS will also manage water quality in addition to providing biodiversity and amenity benefits.

Consultation is ongoing with Welsh Water to investigate the foul drainage capacity flows from the development.

Heritage

With regards to built heritage, the site does not contain or lie in proximity to designated heritage assets, although due to the rising topography of the site, it has long-range intervisibility with assets in the wider vicinity, including in the centre of Hereford.

Assessment is being made of the significance, including that resulting from setting, of the Grade I Church of St Bartholomew, which lies to the south-east. Consideration is being given to views from the churchyard, although the asset is separated from the site by modern built form.

Whilst no visibility of the site has been identified from ground level at the centre of Hereford, there are views from the site to the tower of the Cathedral and the spire of All Saints Church. The visibility of the site from the Cathedral will be assessed once tower tours restart for the year.

Additional Technical Matters Modal

Further technical assessment work relating to Landscape, Arboriculture, Noise, and Air Quality is being undertaken. A comprehensive suite of technical documents will accompany the formal planning application.