BRIAN Bennett's scheme to plaster 220 plus houses on land at Allaston is before the planning committee this week and it is to be hoped they stick to their guns and tell him where to put it.

There are so many things wrong with it that it is a waste of everybody's time as well as causing unnecessary worry to local residents.

The land is outside the defined settlement boundary.

Mr. Bennett tells us how much worse things could be if a national developer was involved.

How magnanimous of him. He seems to take it for granted that the land will be built on.

The council has received 312 letters against the proposal and 140 in favour. I bet those against are from local residents who will be directly affected, but how many in favour were from locals?

Mr. Bennett says he will 'allow' 25 self build projects most of which have already been allocated.

What presumption  when he hasn't got planning permission yet.

£121,000 is offered for 'highway and transport strategy'. Without massive road widening and possibly removal of some existing houses what 'strategy' will solve the problems he is going to make?

The construction traffic will be a nightmare and the increased permanent traffic will affect everyone from the bottom of Albert Street upwards.

The housing for senior citizens is a laugh. The ground is so steep that most will be unable to walk up so they will either be housebound or cause yet more traffic on the approach roads.

There is no need for greenfield development when there are numerous brownfield sites available in the area.

Other developments have unsold houses because they are not wanted.

The only reason for this application is to make money for Mr. Bennett and his mates.

As a matter of interest when the houses on Primrose Hill and Allastone Road lose part of their value will the council entertain a reduction of their Council Tax?

– B Baker, Lydney.