Some Good News

Barton Road

Good News!

We have had positive feedback from our pre planning application regarding the site. In essence the planners’ response says:

1. a) The scheme is broadly acceptable: ‘… the type of housing proposed, being small one-bed, two-person units to meet identified local needs, is welcomed; and the sustainable location of the site, within the city and within easy reach of a wide range of facilities and services, would weigh in favour of the grant of planning permission.’
2. b) A no car scheme would seem to be acceptable, though we need to consider the issue of a delivery bay at the front of the site for couriers etc. This could add danger for cyclists crossing the old railway bridge, and there may be alternatives at the rear of the site that we could investigate.
3. c) Modern design is acceptable, though we need to consider the heritage of Barton Manor, a grade II listed building and its curtilage to the immediate east.
4. d) We would seem to need to do further work on the loss of the open space, which is said to be the key constraint.

But we also want to make this a ‘community’ project, not simply a useful and sustainable housing development by:

1. i) Carrying out a roughly 10-day community archaeology project on the site prior to development.
2. ii) Involving members of HCLT in the process where we can.

iii) Aiming to select early those who will live in the homes so that they can both be trained in the building of the units and also work together to manage the open space around the homes.

Anyone wish to be on the Development Team?

We are forming a team of to take the development forward, which should include the architects, AGILE homes (designers and makers of the prefabricated units) and possibly NMITE who may be able to locally manufacture the units, possibly involving those who would go on to live in the scheme.

There is a lot of work to be done but it could be a highly exciting and enjoyable project in which to be involved.

If interested, please contact Andy Johnson on info@herefordclt.org.uk

Artists and Makers Quarter (A&MQ)

We have been working with one of the co-owners of the Bingo hall site in Berrington Street, to include a pottery workshop, fabric workshop, exhibition space and other facilities or workshops as part of a pre planning application for the site.

It is possible that the rest of the site could be developed to create some affordable housing.

We need to create a small team which can maintain momentum for the creation of an Artists and Makers Quarter here and generate ideas to how to fund the necessary work should the project go ahead.

If you wish to find out more, or become involved, please contact Andy Johnson on info@herefordclt.org.uk

Breinton Charities Land

It appears that they have received a positive response from the Charity Commissioners to their ideas, and are discussing with the Parish Council how the necessary Housing Needs Survey might be funded.