PLANS to build up to 500 homes on the edge of Bromyard went before the public last week.

Developer Bovis Homes is proposing to build the homes on land at Hardwick Bank, on the northern edge of the town.

And last Wednesday, November 16, the developer held a public exhibition of its proposals at the offices of the town council.

The meeting was well attended, with members of the public meeting Bovis representatives and scrutinising the firm's proposals.

Victoria Trotman, strategic planning director at Bovis Homes, said: “This was a great opportunity for the team to meet with many members of the local community and discuss our proposals, and we’re keen to incorporate their feedback and suggestions wherever possible.

“The allocation of Hardwick Bank as part of the Herefordshire Core Strategy recognises that new homes can be sustainably delivered at this location, and the site provides opportunities for good access by foot or bicycle to the nearby primary school and town centre facilities beyond.

"We are currently in discussion with the council regarding a Section 106 Agreement, which is a package of measures we will provide to support the existing local community.

"As part of these discussions, plans are being made to provide additional capacity to existing services and facilities, either via direct funding from us, or through our teams managing the delivery of the new infrastructure."

Gary Swinford, acting town clerk at Bromyard and Winslow Town Council said: "Half of the site is designated in the Herefordshire Local Plan and the town council has always looked favourably on that.

"But the devil is in the details and no doubt the council will examine the application very carefully when it is submitted.

The firm hopes to submit its outline planning application Wednesday, December 7, and should that be approved, it would look to submit reserved matters soon afterwards.