A COLEFORD developer’s plans to build two large houses across the border in Symonds Yat have been refused.

GN Developments had submitted a bid to build the homes on the grounds of the Wye Vale property overlooking the river near Ye Old Ferrie Inn.

The plan was to replace a previously granted permission for a house and detached garage on the site, along with road access, with two close-set but separate four-bedroom houses.

The proposal would have “increased the self sustainability” by installing air source heat pumps and solar panels, while maintaining the same number of buildings as the approved scheme, within the newly defined settlement boundary.

The plan drew 24 individual objections, with concerns raised about “very steep” access to the property, extra traffic on the narrow lane and increased water demands.

Herefordshire Council concluded the plan was “not sympathetic to the local character”, “represented an unacceptable overdevelopment” and “failed to conserve or enhance the landscape of the Wye Valley area of outstanding beauty”.

The proposal lacked an up-to-date ecological assessment and bat survey for its sensitive location, the council said, and also cited Welsh Water’s objection among its reasons for refusing the plan.