The development of 625 new homes near Ledbury Viaduct now officially has a name.

House builder Bloor Homes has named the development The Arches and says it is due to open in early 2024.

The scheme is a controversial one.

Herefordshire Council turned down Bloor Homes’ plans to develop land north of the viaduct over access concerns in December 2019.

Bloor appealed the decision and in February 2020, the county council withdrew its reasons for refusal to limit the costs of defending and losing the case.

Ledbury Town Council stepped in to defend the case but were unsuccessful.

In 2021, a planning inspector recommended allowing the appeal and granting planning permission - and housing secretary Robert Jenrick agreed.

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Work has now started on the development, which will feature two, three, four and five-bedroom properties.

Bloor says people can register their interest now in readiness for early bird prices to be released later in 2023.

Jessica Hewlett, Bloor Homes senior sales advisor at The Arches, said: “We’re excited to see the development name announced and the new website page and signs go up and we can’t wait to open our showhomes early next year.

“There are some locations that are really special, and Ledbury is definitely one of them.

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“The new community at The Arches will have so many lovely benefits right on the doorstep - The Arches is surrounded by stunning English countryside just a short drive from Eastnor Castle and the beautiful Malvern Hills.

“Yet this location also has everything you need for 21st century living, including commuter links to Hereford and Worcester, Ofsted rated good and outstanding schools for families, supermarkets for the weekly food shop, and let’s not forget Ledbury Town and Ledbury Swifts football teams – either to join and play, or go and support.”

The developer has been sponsoring the football clubs for the past couple of years.

Peter Boyle, chairman of Ledbury Town FC, said: “Ledbury is definitely a lovely place to live, work – and play football – and we have said from the start we completely support Bloor Homes’ decision to bring a new community to our lovely town.

“We are looking forward to seeing the new homes when they are built and hopefully welcoming new players and supporters amongst the new residents at The Arches.”