Protest over housing development

People opposing plans to build hundreds of homes in a part of Hereford are holding a demonstration.

The campaigners will walk along a footpath which could be concreted over if the scheme in the Bullinghope area is given the go-ahead.

It is part of Herefordshire Council's planning blueprint, the Unitary Development Plan, which is out for public consultation until 24 June.

Protesters will start walking at 1730 BST on Friday at Bullinghope Church.

The walk is an opportunity for people to enjoy the scenery while they still can and to show solidarity David Miller

They say they fear the development could eventually become a town the size of nearby Kington.

One of the objectors, David Miller said: "Thousands of people have already expressed their opposition to this.

"The walk is an opportunity for people to enjoy the scenery while they still can and to show solidarity with the campaigners.

"If the housing development goes ahead and a new road is built, then the right of way will be lost or at best it'll be a concrete path running between a housing estate."

Larger development

A first draft of the council's Unitary Development Plan was published in 2002.

It was revised and approved by the authority in March.

The council said the proposal for 300 houses at Bullinghope would lead to a larger development to the south of the city.

Cllr Phil Edwards, Herefordshire Council's Cabinet Member (Environment), said: "We've listened to what people have said and tried to take their concerns on board wherever we can."

The plans can be read at 17 places in the county, including libraries and planning offices.