THE blueprint for developing the Lawnstone House ‘gateway to Coleford’ site has come under fire from the town’s Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.

Consultants Sustain-By-Design have drawn up a draft design for a new mixed-use development on the former Lawnstone house, bungalow and annex site.

The plan includes a mix of affordable and open market housing, retail and workshops units and an attractive open public space.

However, Iain Baird from the Neighbourhood Plan group, which has carried out extensive public consultations over the last three years, says the plan has ignored all of its findings and recommendations.

He said: “We were surprised to find that none of our findings were used by the architects when preparing their recently published proposal.

“These plans showed that the town’s Market Place is valued, as a key heritage space.

“However it was felt that it could be improved with a greater variety of shops and smarter fronts to surrounding buildings.

“Another theme that arose was the need for a green space within the town for quiet reflection and for breaks during the working day."

Councillor Richard Leppington cabinet member for development, asset management and infrastructure said: “Whilst the council acknowledges the emerging Neighbourhood Development Plan and its associated consultations, it remains committed to satisfying the brief of providing housing and commercial space and provide a new public space and to generate income to pay for services on the Lawnstone site."

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