I REFER to The Forester's coverage in last week's editon, November 13 about the Forest of Dean District Council' s decision to overturn its vote in favour of a Sainsbury's store for Lydney.

The inexplicable u-turn from the original decision made on October 8 goes against what the people of Lydney and their Town Council said they wanted.

In a public consultation event, 83 per cent of those who attended said they were in favour of a Sainsbury's store. Our joint planning application also received 106 letters of support, and only six letters of objection.

In ignoring that support, district councillors have effectively turned their back on proposals which would have been a catalyst that unlocked millions in further investment in Lydney.

The Sainsbury's proposals would have paved the way for 300 new homes next to the bypass, which, together with the adjoining land immediately to the north would have provided an investment of around £6 million for education, £2 million for highways and £900,000 for community purposes.

They would also have opened the door to a new 37-acre (17 hectare) commercial estate at Hurst Farm – and the prospect of hundreds more jobs, giving local business a massive shot in the arm.

The whole development formed a major part of the Forest of Dean District Council's long-term strategy and would have taken Lydney forward into a prolonged period of growth.

Not only does this u-turn torpedo the proposals for that investment, it also causes a breakdown in trust between the business community and local authorities.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity of thanking Lydney Town Councillors for their support. They recognised the potential of the application by Sainsbury's and Robert Hitchins Ltd and recognised that this was an opportunity for real jobs and real investment in Lydney. It is a matter of regret that we are now unable to deliver.

Andrew Hill

Andrew Hill

Land & Planning Director

Robert Hitchins Ltd