What is Belmont?

Bluntly, Belmont Rural parish is a housing estate where different developers have opted for varying levels of housing density and environmental sensitivity. Located on the city’s southernmost tip, the estate is in fact a suburb.
         There is no common land, nor any land owned by the Parish - only small parcels throughout the estate, some of them play areas - which are the result of conditions imposed during planning permission applications.
        A draft copy of the Plan was submitted to Harvey Small, a long-term resident who was a member of Clehonger PC and then of Belmont Rural PC until ill-health forced his retirement.
       An edited version of his 1500-word response appears below. We included these remarks because Harvey’s views are those of one who fought long and hard for the benefit of the community. Part of what he says can be seen as emotive and critical of past mistakes. But then those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
       We need to know what mistakes were made if we are to plan for an improved future.
       We need to ask why there is no school, no church, no pub and no parks. We must ensure that those same mistakes do not recur.
       On the whole the Funding Fair and the survey revealed a reasonably prosperous parish where residents like their houses and enjoy access to Hereford’s beautiful countryside and open spaces.
       However it is salutary - and sad - that one of the most popular responses to the “Best of Belmont” question in the survey was: Tesco.

Some history, some suggestions
A biannual Funding Fair, combined with a sports event would allow Belmont Rural PC to let electors know of progress and/or setbacks. The last event was obviously a worthwhile exercise.
         Planning permission was granted many years prior to the first houses being built. By the time planning decisions were being sent to Clehonger Parish Council (from which Belmont Rural PC was split off), the PC’s powers were so limited as to be almost negligible. Alterations to the overall plan (carried) the threat that the developers would resort to costly appeals. There were too many developers and the amount of literature was unbelievable.
        Environment. A highly vocal Belmont Residents’ Association did make many representations to Clehonger PC. Even then the estate was divided, with a notable absence of members from “the other side” (ie, the south).
        Facilities disappeared, hedges were ripped up. There are still areas which can be walked over but these are devoid of the previous flora and fauna. The Landfill, prior to its sealing, (included) a variety of vegetation and accompanying wild life.
        Traffic. The 30 mph limit (on the A465) was long fought for, finally approved and has been moderately successful. Would it be possible to have limit reminders painted on the road?
        Leisure. The needs of the growing population of children (must be considered). We must cater for older children. Retired people also have needs.
        Planning. It has been difficult to understand the reasoning of those in the past who permitted the saturation of the area without adequate thought for facilities. What would the estate be like without Tesco?
        Communications. The PC meetings are poorly supported. The room available (at the Eastholme Community Centre) does not lend itself to the general public. The failure to extend the Centre was a blow to the community - though it may have pleased a vociferous minority at the time.
        Division? There is a divide due to the type of housing. The majority of houses here (ie, on the south) have two or three bedrooms, and are interspersed with single occupancy flats. On the other side many houses have three, four and five bedrooms. Several houses here are rented and tenants rarely stay longer than a year. This makes it difficult to find someone prepared to become a parish councillor or to run Neighbourhood Watch.
        Life in Belmont. More pluses than minuses.

 Harvey Small
 Former parish councillor
Coppin Rise