THE Church of England has drawn up a plan to build more than 1,000 homes and change the face of Hereford.

The unprecedented bid also includes a new primary school, employment area and a park-and-ride scheme for the Three Elms site.

The proposal, described as an “urban extension” by principal landowners, the Church Commissioners – which manages an investment portfolio to support the Church of England – has been developed over the past seven years.

The Commissioners say the plan is closely linked to Hereford’s proposed relief road with 500 homes to be built before the road opens and a further 580 once it is completed.

The site is to the west of Three Elms Road on land stretching from the border of Whitecross School up to the Roman Road next to the Beech Business Park and out to the new livestock market.

It then runs south to Kings Acre Road stretching either side of Huntington Lane.

“The Commissioners have been working with Herefordshire Council for a number of years with respect to the emerging development plan and are supportive of the identification of Three Elms as a sustainable extension to Hereford city that will provide much-needed housing and employment opportunities,” said the Commissioners in a statement.

They added that a programme of local engagement on the scheme would begin in the spring.

A short presentation outlining the plans was delivered to Hereford City Council by Carter Jonas, on behalf of the Commissioners, on Tuesday.

The group says its scheme would be supported by “a comprehensive package of transport mitigation measures” featuring enhancements and improvements to sustainable travel and existing road junctions.

These sites include the Starting Gate roundabout, the Holmer Road/Priory Place mini-roundabout by Widemarsh Common and the Monument roundabout in Whitecross.

A planning application is likely to be submitted this summer.