'A carbuncle within the conservation area', is how Councillor Harry Bramer described the proposed wooden building for the garden of the Hope and Anchor which was rejected by planners at their meeting in Hereford last week. Plans for a 5 x 9 metre timber structure to form an external dining area appeared before the Southern Area Planning sub-committee for a second time, but on this occasion the structure was sited further away from the footpath along the Wye. The local member, Councillor Chris Bartrum, was the only one to speak in favour of the scheme. He said that although the Ramblers' Association was against "the monstrosity", the Environment Agency and Ross Town Council had voiced no objections. He said: "I've seen a few monstrosities in my time and I don't think this is one. We need some controlled development in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and therefore, I am in favour of this application." Councillor Phil Cutter said he was not in favour of it. "There have been several representations and letters from ramblers complaining about the plans,"? he said. "The Hope and Anchor has been there a long time. At the moment there is only a small shed selling icecream and this application will result in a big shed right in front of the Hope and Anchor. "I don't think it is for dining, I think it is for smokers. I feel this is the wrong thing in the wrong place, and it would not suit Ross." The question of building on the flood plan concerned Councillor Tessa MacClean. She said:?"I suppose as a wooden building at least it would float. But why consider building on land which regularly floods? That is my main objection to it." Councillor Bramer was in no doubt. "I can see absolutely no justification for building this carbuncle. How can it be economically sound to build a shed in the garden when they already have a restaurant next to the pub?" Councillor Anne Gray said:?"We have to take into consideration that the licencees have only been there a short time and they are looking to expand their business." Councillor Richard Smith said that building it on piles meant that it was a sympathetic and thoughtful development not just a large wooden shed. Councillor Cutter moved that the Councillors should go against the advice of the officers and reject the application as being inappropriate in the conservation area and the AONB. The application was refused with only one vote in favour. The planning officers said it was not necessary to refer it to the main committee.
