DEVELOPERS keen to build 200 homes around Lydney's Federal Mogul plant have rapidly kickstarted negotiations with Forest planners in an attempt to resolve issues after their most recent detailed plans were blocked.

Outline permission for more than 600 homes around the Mogul plant has already been granted as part of the single largest development in the Forest.

But planning goes in stages and a detailed scheme for a section of the Lydney site covering the golf course was rejected on March 30, largely over concerns about the height of apartments rising to five storeys – 17 metres, or more than 50ft.

It is understood the developers, MMC Developments, urgently want to broker a deal to meet concerns about a high profile development which includes 60 per cent social housing. MMC describe their plans as "regeneration" for the Forest and: "A flagship scheme that will bring significant inward investment".

Forest of Dean District Council planners say MMC have a right to appeal the decision or renegotiate, depending on the continued availability of government grant funding for social housing.

Meanwhile, the appeal against rejection of proposals by developers Robert Hitchins Ltd for 750 homes and a school on land off Lydney Bypass and Highfield Road, resumes on April 27.

The appeal resumes at Lydney Town Hall at 10am. Anyone wishing to make further representations must do so before the appeal re-starts by writing to Ms E Ord, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/19a, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN quoting APP/P1615/A/09/2108057/nwf.