Plans to replace Herefordshire ballroom with houses approved

The applicant said the site is in a "sorry state" after being gutted by fire 19 years ago

Plans to knock down former ballroom and replace it with five houses and 15 holiday lodges have been approved.

Herefordshire Council's planning committee heard Park Hall in Wormelow is in a "sorry state", 19 years being gutted by fire.

Despite 46 objections to the plans, officers said the majority had come from one family and employees of Simply Stunning, a business that would share access with the development.

The scheme was passed unanimously.

Much Birch Parish Council chairman Alison Cook said it had questioned whether the site was appropriate for a holiday park, as it was bordered by housing, businesses and a care home.

But the applicant, Mrs S Rogan, said her plan had drawn no objections from officials, and the development would "support our local economy within Wormelow, a sustainable location".

She said she and her husband would be on-hand to address local concerns, and were prepared to have quarterly meetings with residents.

• Listen: Park Hall's history as an entertainment venue

Ward councillor Richard Thomas said the committee's site visit the previous day had been "strange and sad, as I have very fond memories of Park Hall" including of his own wedding reception there.

"Houses are desperately needed in the area, there are transport links, everything fits," he said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.