THERE were mixed views from residents about a proposed 250 homes development on the outskirts of Ross.

A public consultation at the Larruperz Centre laid out plans to build at Hildersley on farmland south of the A40 Gloucester Road.

Before submitting a planning application to Herefordshire Council, the project team from RPS Planning and Development wanted feedback from residents.

More than 80 people attended on November 6.

Ross resident Stuart Harrold, 70, said: "I think it is great. I can't see any downside to it at all.

"It is on flat land so it is not going to be stuck out like an eyesore. It is on the edge of town but not too far.

"It looks very good and I support it."

The land is mostly privately owned but also includes some Herefordshire Council land.

The site has been identified in Herefordshire’s draft core strategy as a strategic urban extension to Ross-on-Wye and suitable for development.

The plans show the access to the site would have to be widened and the road speed limit could be changed from 60 to 40mph.

Associate planner for RPS, Kate Gapper said, a lot of young families supported the development as they would welcome the affordable homes provision.

But she added the main issues raised were the potential impact on local services such as schools and GP surgeries.

Ms Gapper said: “We recognise those concerns and are in discussion with the local authority in terms of a contribution package as part of a Section 106 agreement

“Local feedback is vitally important as we prepare our planning application for this site. The people who came expressed a wide range of views, and we’ll be taking their suggestions on board as we finalise the planning application.”

They hope to put an outline application in before Christmas. If this is approved developers would then put in a reserved matters application but would have to consider the details in the outline.

If this was approved building would be expected to start in summer 2015.