A DISUSED sawmills on the outskirts of Coleford could become the site for a new Forest hotel.

The site, based on Staunton Road, currently belongs to major landowner Lionel Jones, who also owns commercial vehicle traders Rothdean in Cinderford.

Representatives from the company agreed that the site 'has potential for a number of uses', including a hotel.

A Forest of Dean District Council document, revealed to Cabinet last month, said the site had potential for 'employer related development', and that a hotel would be a suitable use.

Councillor Clive Elsmore explained the need to begin using the 'eyesore' site again in some form.

"We all want something to bring tourists into Coleford," he said.

Mr Jones said he had no current plans to sell his site or turn it into a hotel.

"Until planning permission is changed for the site I have no intentions of selling," he said.

Mr Jones added, however, that if planning permission was changed to accommodate a hotel, he would consider a sale.

Councillor Patrick Molyneux, leader of the council and cabinet member for tourism stressed that any consideration for the site to become a hotel was in the very early stages, but there was a need for more tourist accommodation.

For the full story read The Forester.