A plan to build ten homes in a village close to Ross-on-Wye has been granted permission, despite concerns over traffic on the busy adjoining road.

Russell Pryce applied for permission to build the ten on four acres of grassland beside The Hambletts at St Owens Cross.

The mature trees on the irregularly shaped plot ‘dictate that smaller pockets of development are proposed, and will aid in breaking up the areas of development, a statement with his application said.

The ten were to comprise a mixture of formats and finishes, ranging from a two-bedroom bungalow to three four-bed detached homes.

All were to access onto a new cul-de-sac running from the existing road access onto the A4137, which would be widened.

Ballingham Bolstone and Hentland Group Parish Council backed the plan but suggested the stretch of the A4137 should be lowered to 30mph.

Herefordshire Council’s own highways and land drainage officers made no objections, though they recommended technical conditions.

Planning officer Ollie Jones judged the proposal comprised an ‘acceptable housing mix’ in an area earmarked for growth in county planning policy.

From what specialist consultees had said of the plan, Mr Jones concluded: “No undue concerns regarding highway safety, drainage, or ecology have been identified,” and full planning permission for the scheme was granted.