DEVELOPERS who have built new homes in Bromyard but are unable to sell them due to a planning condition have successfully applied to change the original decision.

Planning permission for 76 homes and six business units was given on land at Porthouse Farm in Tenbury Road, Bromyard in 2014.

The town council were against the application as they believed the land should be employment land.

As a compromise it was agreed on a condition which said that the houses would not be sold until the first business unit was built and completed.

The planning permission was given when the site was owned by one person, but it has since been separated.

The housing part of the site is now owned by Keepmoat, while the other part is owned by a private owner.

Keepmoat applied to vary the wording of condition 19 to allow 35 homes to be occupied before the commercial building is complete and capable of occupation.

This is because 15 homes are now completed but the commercial building is not yet finished.

Speaking at a Herefordshire Council planning committee meeting Gill Churchill from the town council said they oppose changing the wording as it is important to make sure the commercial units are built.

Coun Nigel Shaw, speaking as a ward member, said that commercial development was a key part of granting permission and he said that Keepmoat need to put pressure on the commercial partner.

However Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes said: "I think it is absolutely essential. The very fact that building is already going ahead. A lot of people in Bromyard are seeking residential accommodation.

"This requirement to vary the condition is very small."

Coun Bruce Baker said: "If this whole site was under the control of a single developer this matter would never have come before us. If it was, we would still refuse it.

"If we refuse this application we end up with houses completed on the site that will remain empty while waiting for a business unit to be completed. The business unit doesn't have to be occupied but just completed."

Nine voted in favour of approving the amended condition, three were against and there was one abstention.