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Merton Meadow car park was full as Hereford played King's Lynn earlier this month but it is set to become a wetland
There are just days left to have your say on the plan to turn the northern section of the Merton Meadow car park into a wetland.
Designed as a flood alleviation scheme, the project has already received planning permission despite concerns over the effect it could have on Hereford FC.
Herefordshire Council's consultation closes on 31st August, and feedback received will help shape the design of a "pioneering" new 400-home urban village across the southern section of the car park, next to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium.
'Wasteland to wetland'
In a video promoting the consultation, Herefordshire Council referred to the northern section of the car park as "wasteland" - despite the fact it is well-used on matchdays and by coaches and lorries.
"This is a unique opportunity to influence what the new neighbourhood could look like — from the types of homes and community facilities to the amenities and green spaces that will support a vibrant, sustainable future," a council spokesperson said.
Explaining the flood alleviation scheme, they said it will use a "network of wetlands and water channels to manage high rainfall events, will create new habitats for wildlife and public spaces for all to enjoy".
They added it will also help "drainage capacity for up to 400 new homes, paving the way for an environmentally led transformation of the area".
Fears for Bulls as parking cut looms
As first reported by Bulls News, during the 30th July planning committee that approved the wetland scheme with conditions, Independents for Herefordshire councillor Matthew Engel (Golden Valley South) said he was “very dubious” the lost parking could be replaced. However, separately, a multi-storey car park has been mooted for the bus station in Commercial Road.
Cllr Engel feared the wetlands could also hamper Hereford FC, adding: “We have to take into account that Hereford United FC were, in their day, the most famous thing this county had. I think this will have an adverse effect on them ever being such a thing again.”
Planning officer Heather Carlisle’s report said that while spaces would go, Hereford’s car parks had capacity to absorb them, with surveys showing Merton Meadow averaged just 38 per cent occupancy between April 2022 and April 2024. She added that land north of the link road would be retained for coach and lorry parking.
But with work due to begin in September – only weeks into the new National League North season – that will be little comfort to fans wanting to park close to Edgar Street in one of the council's cheapest city car parks.
Lib Dem councillor Polly Andrews (Widemarsh) welcomed the flood alleviation benefits, but Conservative councillor Robert Highfield (Castle) feared the wetlands could prove too popular as a visitor attraction and become a victim of its own success.
Hereford fan Colin Butler has also been vocal in his opposition to the plans for Merton Meadow, saying he has great concerns over the baffling housing vision and the thought of a new multi-storey on the bus station is flawed.
To find out more or to share your thoughts visit the Merton Meadow Consultation webpage.