AN almost identical planning application for 38 homes in Lea which was thrown out earlier this year has been refused again.

Developers MLN (Land and Properties) Ltd again submitted the application for homes adjacent to the B4222, near Ross-on-Wye.

The developer’s agent, Ben Weatherley, told Herefordshire Council's planning committee that, if planning approval was given, an unnecessary appeal could be avoided.

He said the reasons given for refusal are not capable of being defended at an appeal.

Local member, Cllr Harry Bramer, said the site was not sustainable with the school a mile away in a valley that is likely to flood.

Stephen Banner, chairman of the Lea Action Group, told the committee that vehicular access to the site from the B4222 is poor and the site is at risk of flash flooding.

He added: "When it [the planning committee] refused the previous application the committee stated that the visual impact of the development could not be mitigated by the imposition of conditions.

"This statement is as valid for the new proposal as it was for the old one."

Councillors refused the application, which will now still go to appeal.

Following the meeting, Mr Banner said: "We are over the moon. The site is not really suitable for development at all."