THE FUTURE of a Forest college campus site and ‘local distinctiveness’ are among the keys issues for people in Berry Hill and surrounding villages, according to a new report.

The issues were identified as part of the neighbourhood development plan for Berry Hill, Christchurch and Edge End which has just been published.

The 102-page plan has taken nearly three years to put together and it will now go out to the public who will have the chance to comment on it at an open day which will be held in the next few months.

The plan, which will be known as ‘Our Plan’ has been put together by a steering group including West Dean Parish Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Lakers School, Berry Hill Primary School, Berry Hill Rugby Club, Berry Hill Memorial Institute, Five Acres Not for Sale community group, local businesses, Coleford Town Council, the Forestry Commission and the Homes and Communities Agency.

If the plan is finally approved by local people it will form part of the planning process for the area for the next 21 years.

In terms of housing, a survey found 81 per cent of those taking part thought it was important to keep the local character of buildings, 91 per cent wanted development limited and all thought it was important to use local materials and local builders.

The plan would support developments of up to 35 homes in the villages.

There was also strong concern about traffic and the plan would support a reduction in the speed limit to 20mph around schools and major community sites at key times.

A major plank of the plan is the redevelopment of Gloucestershire College’s site at Five Acres should the facility be relocated to another part of the Forest.

It is recognised that, at the present time, there are no guarantees that the transformation of the site into a major leisure and cultural attraction for locals and visitors is achievable.

District councillor Tim Gwilliam (Lab, Berry Hill), said: “Through Our Plan we aim to maintain and enhance the character, vitality and prosperity of the area.”