WORK has finally started on the former site of Whitecross High School to build new homes. The old Whitecross High School off Baggallay Street was demolished after pupils moved to a new site off Three Elms Road in 2006. Planning approval was previously given for 65 homes but the developer, Miller Homes, pulled out in 2014. In April of this year Herefordshire Council approved plans for 69 homes put forward by Redrow Homes. And work has now started at the site to build the homes, 22 of which will be affordable. There will be a mix of 1 and 2 bed apartments and 2, 3 and 4 bed dwellings. Concerns were previously raised about access to the estate, which will be in Baggallay Street, but Herefordshire Council's planning committee was told there was capacity for the extra traffic. Planning officer Kelly Gibbons said during the planning meeting that all other possible access routes had been considered over the last ten years but were not suitable due to covenants and private land ownership. The planning committee also heard from development manager Kevin Bishop that delays in developing the site were due to flooding issues which have now been resolved. A new pedestrian/cycle way route is planned to link up with the existing bridge over the Yazor Brook. Access to nearby playing fields will also be provided. "Great care has been taken to design a form of layout which will fit sympathetically and harmoniously into its surroundings," said Redrow in a planning document submitted with the application. "Careful consideration has been given to ensure the design of the new buildings fit in with the local vernacular. The choice of materials again highlights the commitment to providing a high quality development."
Redrow has been given the go-ahead to develop the former site of Whitecross High School in Worcestershire. Planning consent for 65 homes on the site was initially granted to Miller Homes by Herefordshire Council in 2014, however, the developer pulled out. Redrow's plans for 69 homes made up of one and two-bed apartments and two, three and four-bed houses, including 22 affordable homes, were approved in April this year. Flooding issues that had delayed the development have now been resolved, according to Redrow's development manager, Kevin Bishop.