Church Commissioners for England has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Herefordshire Council for the first phase of a new 1,000 home-community in Three Elms, Hereford.
The first phase will comprise 350 homes, taking Church Commissioners’ total of approvals secured to close to 5,000 in 2025.
Victoria Barrett-Mudhoo, asset manager of strategic land at the Church Commissioners for England, said: “Today’s announcement marks an important step in delivering a new community in Hereford.”
“The scheme will help meet a local need for housing of all tenures and types, including providing land to the council to deliver a new affordable care home. The Church Commissioners worked closely with Herefordshire Council and consultees to ensure the scheme is of the highest quality.”
The 25-hectare site is bordered by Roman Road to the north, Three Elms Road to the east, and Yazor Brook to the south. Located 1.8 miles from Hereford city centre, the plans will provide a sustainable and sensitive extension to the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The scheme includes 96 affordable homes and land for a new care home, meeting a local need for housing. The site will also feature a new ‘Park & Choose’ facility, providing parking space for bicycles and cars for onward travel into the city, while a network of walking and cycling routes – including off-site improvements – will promote the use of sustainable transport.
All homes will be within walking distance of a green space, with regular open space and green corridors providing routine opportunities for recreation and leisure. These will include designated play areas for children, ensuring residents of all ages benefit from easy access to nature.
Existing social infrastructure, including health facilities, primary schools, colleges, and leisure and sports pitches, is close by, while further infrastructure would be delivered through future phases and is expected to include a new primary school and local centre. The site benefits from nearby public transport links, including a bus route into the city centre and regular train services via Hereford train station.
The site is the first phase of a wider western urban expansion strategic allocation. This allocates the land for a minimum of 1,000 homes and at least 10 hectares of employment uses, intended to grow the local economy and create new job opportunities, alongside 210 new primary school places.
The masterplan forms part of the Church Commissioners for England’s wider strategic land portfolio, with capacity for around 30,000 homes across England. Over 9,000 of these homes are subject to live planning applications.
