THE Vencil Resil site at Whitecroft is up for development. As part of a public consultation representatives of the new owners, Harrow Estates, and their planning consultants Baker Associates, introduced the "emerging proposals" for the site during West Dean Parish Council's public open forum last Wednesday.

The developers announced that following a site meeting with Forest of Dean District Council planning officers their plans were "purely residential homes led" and "not employment."

For some members of the meeting this announcement was disappointing. It was pointed out that a public consultation is a two way process whereby alternatives for the site based on the needs of the local and wider community of the Forest of Dean should be considered.

Alternative uses for the Vencil Resil site have evolved.

At the parish council meeting it was proposed the site, utilising the existing buildings, becomes a skills, employment and heritage apprenticeship centre. Subsequently, if the buildings are demolished, the site should provide a care nursing home with a care nursing training school, possibly a specialist facility for dementia sufferers.

Harrow Estates and Baker Associates plan a further part of the public consultation at Whitecroft Village Hall on Thursday, January 19.

– Phil Saunders, Bream.