HEREFORDSHIRE Council’s decision to pull out of the upcoming legal battle over plans for 625 homes in Ledbury truly beggars belief.

When unelected officers overrule the decisions made by our elected representatives, many across the county will be asking whether democracy is simply an illusion — and with good reason.

The planning committee had all the information before them regarding Bloor Homes’ plans to develop land north of the railway viaduct.

They were well aware of the financial risks when they decided to reject the scheme by 10 votes to three with one abstention.

In November, they had deferred making a decision to allow time for the developer to bring forward plans with a second access under the viaduct to the Hereford road.

Bloor Homes did nothing of the sort and in December again presented plans with only one access via the Bromyard road, thus councillors backed the wishes of more than 1,000 residents and the town council and rejected the scheme, going against their officers’ advice.

The committee’s view was that approval would condemn residents to a future of traffic congestion caused by poor access from the new estate.

Bloor Homes appealed the rejection, and after seeking legal advice, council officers decided not to defend their position to avoid incurring costs. The council, officers included, should have honoured the democratic will of the people and fought the good fight. Surely democracy is a hill worth dying on?