A VILLAGER opposed to a development plan submitted by the Duchy of Cornwall said she felt compelled to move out of her home of almost 40 years because of the threat of new houses destroying her privacy.

Christine Lewis' bungalow, on Mount Way in St Weonards, is on the boundary line of where 24 new homes – 16 open market and eight affordable – could be built on land belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall.

The plans were submitted to Herefordshire Council for consideration at the end of April.

Mrs Lewis, 63, moved out of the property she bought 38 years ago last November amid concerns over the impact of the proposed development on her home and privacy.

She said: "I moved out because I do not want to live near a housing estate. On Mount Way we bought our properties knowing that was the end of the building in the village.

"There are other sites that are available but the parish council asked the Duchy of Cornwall to come and did not ask the residents what they wanted."

Mrs Lewis said the development, if approved, would lead to unwanted additional street lighting and an increase in the number of cars and people in the village.

"I do feel very helpless because you know you are up against a bigger body," she said.

"I think there should have been a public meeting to discuss it before they invited the Duchy in."

St Weonards Parish Council said two consultation meetings were held in March and July last year.

An open meeting is taking place at the village hall at 7pm on June 12, which will be attended by a representative from the Duchy of Cornwall, and will give residents a chance to discuss the application.