FOREST residents have six weeks to comment on the district's Core Strategy before it is sent to the Secretary of State for approval.

The planning policy document sets out the broad principles for the development of the district until 2026. It outlines key issues and provides a basis for more detailed planning policies.

It was approved by a meeting of the full council on February 24 and has now been published. Representations can be made on the document until May 3, when it will be submitted to the Secretary of State to approve its adoption.

Nigel Gibbons, forward plan manager at the Forest of Dean District Council, said: "We would encourage everyone to take a look at this document and make comments on it if they would like.

"It's important everybody has chance to have a say about the sort of place they want to live and work, at a point in the process where it can make a difference. Once a policy is in place, it can be difficult to influence change." 

Copies of the strategy can be viewed at the council offices in Coleford and through the council's consultation portal http://fdean-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal. ">http://fdean-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal. ; A copy has also been sent to all libraries in the district and to Gloucester and Chepstow libraries.

Representations can be made at http://fdean-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal">http://fdean-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal or by writing to Forward Plan Team, Forest of Dean District Council, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG or emailing [email protected]">[email protected]. uk