COUNTY planners have deferred plans to build three homes in a hamlet near the Welsh border.

Herefordshire Council officers had recommended approving the scheme to build a detached home and two bungalows at Lemsford in Broad Oak.

But Garway parish council objected over concerns the development fell outside the village settlement boundary and was too close to a slurry lagoon.

Ward councillor Toni Fagan called on the planning committee today (June 24) to defer the plans for a site visit.

“It is going to make substantial difference to Broad Oak,” she said.

“Please, if you have any doubt about this then please do not support this application and put forward something so that a site visit can happen.

“It is essential that you go and look at this site. Have a look at the impact of the four new houses they have on this landscape.

“Believe me. What is happening is that a wall of luxury houses is being built across the horizon because they offer the best views in Herefordshire.

“And that serves the local community in no way whatsoever. It has no environmental benefit, no economic benefit, it has no benefit to the social structure of this place.”

Councillor Paul Rone proposed approving the scheme despite saying his heart told him not to.

“This application is outside the village envelope and none of the locals want it.

“Normally I would listen and give huge weight to what the local member says and in my mind, it would be a refusal.”

However, he said the council had approved plans for new homes in other villages with fewer services.

“We can’t keep saying no when the officers have done all due diligence,” he added.

“We have to build houses.”

This was seconded by councillor Tony Johnson but the motion fell short by one vote.

A second motion to defer the plans for a site visit was unanimously approved.